Sweetly scented Galium odoratum is the perfect way to brighten a shady place and put a smile on your face. A native to our shores, this special plant is commonly known as Sweet Woodruff, or Wild Baby's Breath. In March a lush green carpet of lance-shaped, sweetly scented foliage emerges to spread its magic; creating a remarkable, weed-suppressing groundcover. Then, in April, Galium odoratum produces clusters of fragrant, starry flowers, which will draw in plenty of bees for a feast up until July. What's more the plant's fragrance intensifies as it matures then, once flowers fade, small, berry-like fruits follow on. Each fuzzy fruit is covered in tiny hooks which allow the seeds to be spread by passing wildlife. Galium odoratum makes an excellent cut flower too, and foliage can be dried to use in sweet smelling potpourri. Germans even use Galium odoratum to flavour a sweet May wine called Maitrank.Galium odoratum prefers to be planted in moist, well-drained soil in full or partial shade. A fully hardy, herbaceous perennial which reaches a height of 30cm and spreads up to 90cm.
Flower and Foliage Months
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Foliage Month
Flowering Month