POSTED BY KIM — We have lots of shade gardeners in our area — lots of big trees — so I’m always up for the challenge when someone comes in with a problem area and they assume the worst — like they might be stuck having to plant ivy or <gasp> more hostas.
A great little shade-loving groundcover is sweet woodruff, or Galium odoratum.
It really shines this time of year because of its fragrant, dainty white flowers.
It’s a nice spreader, without being overly aggressive, so it’s great to have some around because you can always dig up a piece and move it to a new spot when needed. It grows to about 6″-8″ tall, and blooms in the spring. But even when it’s not in flower, you have the great texture of the whirled leaves.
Lean in and smell your computer screen...
I've got it planted around the base of a hydrangea 'Tardiva' to hide the shrub's "scraggly legs."
