The Sweet-Sounding Flowering Ground Cover That Thrives Under Shady Trees

As majestic as large shade trees can be, finding ground cover plants to grow in the darker areas under the trees can be a challenge. Fortunately, some ground covers, including one that smells just as sweet as its name suggests, can thrive in these lower light conditions. Using sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) as ground cover under and around trees is a great way to add color and fragrance to shady areas.

Hardy in zones 4 through 8, sweet woodruff thrives in both full shade and part sun locations. Native to Africa, Asia, and Europe, it can spread surprisingly aggressively and can even become invasive in some situations in North America, so use caution and keep it contained if you're growing it in warmer areas with fertile loamy soil. In cooler areas with clay heavy soil, it is less likely to cause problems and can be a well-behaved ground cover option. 

If you've confirmed that sweet woodruff is unlikely to cause problems in your yard, then you can purchase it either as a young plant or as seeds. Seeds can be slow to germinate, though, and often benefit from cold stratification. If you opt to buy your sweet woodruff as a plant, it shouldn't take long for it to spread if you put it in a location that works well. Sweet woodruff grows best in well-draining but moist soils and can be cut back with a lawn mower if necessary.

Unlike many plants, which struggle when planted near black walnut trees, sweet woodruff is not bothered by black walnuts and can easily be planted under them. It is also seldom bothered by deer, which is ideal if you're looking for a ground cover that deer won't touch. Sweet woodruff doesn't just grow well under and around trees either; it can also be a good low-maintenance lawn alternative to consider for shady locations.