Overview
Galium odoratum is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Galium, part of the Rubiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Galium odoratum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ground cover, woodland edges and meadows. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.
About
Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff) is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the Rubiaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reaching full size over 5 to 10 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for north, east, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Sweet woodruff is primarily of interest in spring.
About the genus
Galium is a large genus of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the family Rubiaceae, occurring in the temperate zones of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Some species are informally known as bedstraw.
Wikipedia contributors, "Galium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Galium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Galium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Galium odoratum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Woodland edges, Meadows
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders
- Fragrance
- Sweet, hay-like scent, especially noticeable when dried or crushed
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Galium odoratum
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded or semi-shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil; avoid dry conditions; can be invasive in favorable conditions
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Galium odoratum?
Prefers shaded or semi-shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil; avoid dry conditions; can be invasive in favorable conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Galium odoratum?
Galium odoratum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Galium odoratum need?
Galium odoratum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Galium odoratum?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Galium odoratum grow?
Galium odoratum reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Galium odoratum hardy in the UK?
Galium odoratum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Galium odoratum?
Seed, Division.
Last updated