
Sweet Woodruff
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: Small white flowers borne in loose cymes over fine textured apple green foliage in April-May.
Size: 5”-12” H; spreads quickly to 1½’.
Light: Part shade-full shade; leaves will scorch in full sun.
Soil: Average, moist, well drained, acidic soil.
Fertilizer: No special needs.
Hardiness: Zones 6-10.
Care: Can be mowed if it grows where it is not wanted.
Pests and Diseases: No serious problems.
Propagation: Division of roots; seeds.
Companion plants: Woodland Phlox, Lady’s Mantle, Brunnera, Bleeding Heart, Fringed Bleeding Heart, small hostas, Tiarella; nice under azaleas and rhododendron and with spring flowering bulbs and wildflowers.
Comments: Plants are fragrant and smell like freshly mown hay when the leaves are crushed or cut. The fragrance increases when the plants are dried making them useful in sachets or potpourris. The leaves are famous as an ingredient in May wine made with white wine, woodruff, orange and pineapple.