Product description
Sweet Woodruff is a popular perennial herb, famously prized for the unique, sweet fragrance that its leaves develop after being dried. The primary parts used for their aromatic and culinary value are the whorled leaves, which, when wilted or dried, release a powerful scent of new-mown hay and vanilla. This distinct aroma makes it a traditional ingredient for flavouring white wine (famously "May Wine"), as well as infusing syrups and jellies. The attractive, tiny, star-shaped white flowers are also edible.
When it comes to planting and maintenance, this is an easy-to-grow, spreading, mat-forming perennial, but it has very specific, non-negotiable requirements. It is extremely fussy about its light conditions and absolutely must have a location in partial or full shade, as it cannot tolerate direct sun. The main requirement for it to grow well is providing it with soil that is rich in organic matter and is kept consistently moist but remains well-drained. As an added benefit, its attractive flowers are known to be popular with early pollinators.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Bedstraw
Woodruff Sweet
Woodruff Sweet
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Product description
Sweet Woodruff is a popular perennial herb, famously prized for the unique, sweet fragrance that its leaves develop after being dried. The primary parts used for their aromatic and culinary value are the whorled leaves, which, when wilted or dried, release a powerful scent of new-mown hay and vanilla. This distinct aroma makes it a traditional ingredient for flavouring white wine (famously "May Wine"), as well as infusing syrups and jellies. The attractive, tiny, star-shaped white flowers are also edible.
When it comes to planting and maintenance, this is an easy-to-grow, spreading, mat-forming perennial, but it has very specific, non-negotiable requirements. It is extremely fussy about its light conditions and absolutely must have a location in partial or full shade, as it cannot tolerate direct sun. The main requirement for it to grow well is providing it with soil that is rich in organic matter and is kept consistently moist but remains well-drained. As an added benefit, its attractive flowers are known to be popular with early pollinators.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Dried bunches of Sweet Woodruff are traditionally used as a natural moth repellent in wardrobes, smelling far more pleasant than chemical mothballs. For the strongest scent, harvest the stems just as the flowers begin to open and dry them quickly in a warm, dark place.
How to Water
Water Sweet Woodruff regularly to establish the colony, ensuring the soil stays cool and damp. It mimics a forest floor environment, so it will suffer if the ground dries out completely.
How to Plant
Select a location in deep or partial shade for Sweet Woodruff, ensuring the soil is moist and humus-rich, such as under deciduous trees.
