The perfect groundcover for that shady spot

By LuAnn Haddad

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

Do you have a shady area that needs an interesting groundcover, something that is easy to control and yet different from the traditional groundcover choices?

The perfect plant might be sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), a delightful perennial herb.

Sweet woodruff creates a low “mat” cover, about 4 inches tall, that has lovely tiny white flowers in the spring. It spreads easily by creeping roots and does best in moist, but not soggy, soil with full to partial shade.

In dry shade, it will grow but will not be as lush. It can thrive under larger trees or shrubs where other ground covers might struggle, including under walnut trees.

One of the special features of sweet woodruff is its unique foliage, a square stem with tiered whorls of narrow leaves.

Sweet woodruff is deer resistant, has few disease or pest problems and is hardy in Zones 5 to 8.

Once established, it is easy to propagate into other beds by using a spade to dig up plugs which include the shallow roots. Transfer to the new bed, being sure to keep the roots moist until established.

Sweet woodruff will go dormant in the very hot, dry summer days, but when cooler temperatures arrive, it will often have a surge of new growth.

It makes a nice companion plant mixed with other shade loving plants, such as hostas, spring bulbs, bleeding heart or hellebores.

Even without other plants, the carpet of green whorls and white flowers make an attractive sight in the spring.

Although the fresh leaves do not have a scent, when they are dried and crushed, they smell similar to freshly mown hay or vanilla.

In ancient days, sweet woodruff was used externally on wounds and internally as a digestive aid. The dried leaves and flowers may be used as an insect repellant, or to repel moths in linen cupboards.

The leaves and stems are also useful as a natural dye, which is grey-green or tan, while the roots can be used to create a natural red dye.

In Germany, Maiwein (May Wine) is made by adding the white flowers to Riesling. These flowers are edible and can used as a garnish on cakes and cookies, though should be used sparingly because large quantities may cause blood thinning.

Perennial, deer resistant, pest-free with unique foliage and edible flowers … sweet woodruff may be just the groundcover you have been searching for to use in those shady garden beds.

To see photos of this friendly little plant as you consider it for your garden, go to http://go.osu.edu/sweetwoodruff.