Galium odoratum aka Sweet Woodruff

Taxonomy

Galium odoratum, also known as sweet woodruff or sweetscented bedstraw, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Europe, Western Siberia, Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, China, and Japan, and is also found in scattered locations in the United States and Canada. This plant is widely cultivated for its sweet-smelling foliage and flowers. Growing up to 30-50 cm long, it often lies flat on the ground or is supported by other plants. Woodruff is sometimes confused with Galium triflorum and Galium verum, and its vernacular names include woodruff, sweet woodruff, and wild baby's breath. The German name "Waldmeister" literally translates to "master of the woods". Woodruff owes its sweet smell to the presence of coumarin and is sometimes used as a flavoring agent. As a houseplant, woodruff is easy to grow and requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. Well-draining soil is best for woodruff, and the plant typically does not require added fertilizers if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. Native to Northern Africa, Asia, and Europe, woodruff belongs to the Galium genus.

Common names

Sweet Woodruff, Woodruff, Sweetscented Bedstraw, Wild Baby's Breath, Master Of The Woods

How to care for Sweet Woodruff

Difficulty

Caring for Sweet Woodruff is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Sweet Woodruff should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweet Woodruff loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Sweet Woodruff to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Sweet Woodruff should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Sweet Woodruff’s native range is Northern and central Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and Siberia.


More info:
Wikipedia