Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff is an easy-to-grow groundcover native to Northern Africa, Asia, and Europe. Plants behave quite differently depending on growing conditions. It grows vigorously or even aggressively in moist, loamy, or amended soils in partial to full shade, through creeping rhizomes and reseeding; Sweet Woodruff is considered invasive in Oregon. In cool climates and clay soils, plants will spread manageably, forming a dense groundcover without taking over. In dry or sunny locations, plants may go dormant during the summer. Sweet Woodruff will survive in dry shade, but not grow as lush as with plenty of moisture. Space plants about a foot apart for even coverage. To minimize competition with other plants, Sweet Woodruff can be planted beneath large shrubs and trees, including Black Walnut. It can be divided in spring. Dried foliage smells of freshly mown hay with hints of vanilla, and the scent lasts for years after drying; it has long been used for its fragrance in Europe and around the world, as a popular choice for dried flower arrangements, potpourri, and sachets. Sweet Woodruff is hardy in zones 4-8 and is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.