This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: tolerates most but prefers moist, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Some galiums have a reputation for being invasive, but this is one of the well behaved ones. Once established it will spread by underground rhizomes to make large clumps, which are invaluable for providing very pretty groundcover in a woodland or naturalised planting scheme. From late spring, small clusters of star-like, white flowers appear above the attractive, emerald green foliage. These flowers have a delicious scent and will attract lots of local bees looking for a treat. It will thrive in sun or dappled shade, however the foliage may become scorched in strong sun, especially if the soils are dry. After it has had a chance to settle in it will develop some tolerance to drought. - Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in autumn or early spring.
- Could you confirm that this flowers April-July as stated on your website? I've researched from various other sources and they state that sweet woodruff only flowers in April-May. I am considering this as a memorial gift for a family member to receive in June but only wish to give this if it will remain in bloom at least throughout June if not longer. Hope you can help; I would like to place my next day order tomorrow (Thursday, 31 May) so a reply before then would be very much appreciated! Many thanks.
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SR
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Hello, I'm afraid we can never guarantee that any particular plant will flower during a certain month, as this will largely be determined by external factors such as the growing conditions and the weather. Having said that though, I have double checked with the RHS regarding the flowering period of this plant and they say it usually happens from late spring to midsummer - and with that in mind, I have amended our flowering months to May-July.
Helen
- We recently bought a number of galium odoratum to plant in planters on a deck in partial shade. Finding they are falling over a lot and not stayingUPRIGHT, is this usual?
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Austin
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Hello, Provided they were planted at their correct depth, then the most likely reason for the 'falling over' is that they are not getting enough sun and are stretching out for it.
Helen
- Native plants for a grave..... Hi, I'm looking for some UK native plants for my friends grave. It's a woodland cemetery, hence the native. Preferably something that won't spiral out of control without excessive upkeep. What can you suggest? Thanks, Jo
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Jo
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Hello Jo, There are a couple of things that I think would be lovely - here are some of the best. Hyacinthoides non-scripta (bluebell) Anemone nemorosa (wood anemone) Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff) Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) Polypodium vulgare (common polypody) I hope this gives you a few ideas, Helen Plant Doctor
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