Sweet Woodruff Plant and Herb

This is a native of Europe and has been introduced and cultivated in North America and Australia. It grows deep in the woods and in hedgerows. Records date back to the 14th century, when woodruff was used as a strewing herb, as bed-stuffing and to perfume linen. On May Day in Germany, it is added to Rhine wine to make a delicious drink called 'Maibowle'.

Species

Galium odoratum (Asperula odorata)

Sweet Woodruff

Hardy perennial. Ht 15cm (6in), spread 30cm (12in) or more. White, star-shaped flowers from spring to early summer. The green leaves are neat and grow in a complete circle around the stem. The whole plant is aromatic.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

To ensure viability only use fresh seed. Sow in early autumn into prepared seed or plug trays, and cover with compost. Water in well. Seeds require a period of stratification. Once the seedlings are large enough, either pot or plant out as soon as the young plants have been hardened off. Plant 10cm (4in) apart.

Root Cuttings

The rootstock is very brittle and every little piece will grow. The best time is after flowering in the early summer. Lay small pieces of the root, 2-4cm (l-1.5in) long, evenly spaced, on the compost in a seed tray. Cover with a thin layer of compost, and water. Leave in a warm place, and the woodruff will begin to sprout again. When large enough to handle, split up and plant out.

Pests and Diseases

This plant rarely suffers from pests and diseases.

Maintenance

Spring: Take root cuttings before flowering.

Summer: Dig up before the flowers have set, to check spreading.

Autumn: The plant dies back completely in autumn. Sow seeds.

Winter: Fully hardy plant.

Garden Cultivation

Ideal for difficult places or under planting in borders, it loves growing in the dry shade of trees right up to the trunk. Its rich green leaves make a dense and very decorative ground cover, its underground runners spreading rapidly in the right situation. It prefers a rich alkaline soil with some moisture during the spring.

Harvest

The true aroma (which is like new mowed hay) comes to the fore when it is dried. Dry flowers and leaves together in early summer.

Container growing

Make sure the container is large enough; otherwise it will become root-bound very quickly. The compost should be the bark, peat mix. Only feed with liquid fertilizer when the plant is flowering. Position the container in semi-shade and do not over water.

Culinary

Add the flowers to salads. Main ingredients for a modern day May wine would be a bottle of hock; an I glass of sherry, sugar, and strawberries, with a few sprigs of woodruff thrown in 1 hour before serving.

Medicinal

A tea made from the leaves is said to relieve stomach pain, act as a diuretic, and be beneficial for those prone to gall stones.