White Flower Farm
Galium odoratum
Best fragrant ground cover for gardeners with shaded, damp spaces.
Galium odoratum, or Sweet Woodruff, is a favorite perennial herb ideal for creating an attractive, durable ground cover in shaded garden areas. This plant features soft green leaves arranged in whorls, reaching a mature height of 6–7 inches. Small white flowers emerge in May and June, creating an enchanting display above the lush carpet. It thrives in average, damp soil and is excellent for edging walks. The fragrance is often noted as a pleasant mix of cinnamon and vanilla, adding sensory appeal to your landscape.
$17.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1695
/ 3083
#1695 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Lifespan
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners needing reliable groundcover for deep shade
- Crafters and herbalists interested in fragrant dried botanicals
- Homeowners seeking low-maintenance, pest-resistant landscape plants
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with small beds or strict containment requirements
- People living in regions with frequent summer droughts
- Landscapers prioritizing consistent, year-round foliage perfection
Performance breakdown
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle to survive.
Ground Cover Density
Forms a lush, uniform carpet that effectively suppresses common garden weeds.
Sensory Appeal
Delivers a delightful vanilla and cinnamon fragrance during the blooming season.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters browsing wildlife, protecting your landscape investment from common pests.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in damp, shaded garden environments.
Hardiness Range
Broad adaptability across multiple zones ensures consistent performance in diverse climates.
Key Specs
Lifespan
Perennial
Mature Height
6-7 inches
Hardiness Zones
USDA 4-8S/9W
Spacing
8-12 inches
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Soft green
Sun Exposure
Part Shade to Shade
Seller Warranty
1 year money-back guarantee
Features
- Excellent ground cover for shade
- Fragrant foliage and flowers
- Deer resistant
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Attractive whorled leaf arrangement
- Blooms in late spring/early summer
- Suitable for containers
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional quality and health of the Sweet Woodruff plants from White Flower Farm. The meticulous packaging ensures robust arrival, and the plants establish quickly, thriving even in deep shade. Reviewers value its reliability as a low maintenance groundcover that spreads effectively to fill bare spots, complemented by delicate white flowers and a pleasant fragrance. The primary concern centers on value. Despite the superior performance, some buyers feel the small size of the starter plants does not justify the premium price point compared to local nursery offerings. Overall satisfaction remains high due to the guaranteed quality and excellent garden success.
Know before you buy
Yes, Galium odoratum is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where deer frequently browse.
For optimal coverage, space your plants 8 to 12 inches apart. This allows them to fill in effectively while providing enough room for initial establishment.
Absolutely. While it is a popular ground cover, it performs well in containers, provided they are kept in a shaded or part-shade location with consistently moist soil.
Sweet Woodruff thrives in average, well-drained soil that stays consistently damp. It is quite adaptable, but it will perform best when its moisture needs are met.
Yes, the foliage and flowers are known for a pleasant, sweet fragrance often described as a blend of cinnamon and vanilla, which becomes more noticeable when the leaves are crushed or dried.
You can expect an enchanting display of small white flowers during May and June. While the blooms are seasonal, the soft green, whorled foliage provides an attractive, low-growing carpet throughout the rest of the growing season.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17