Horti Tops® Sweet Woodruff

€ 2,59 (incl. VAT where applicable)

Sweet Woodruff (Asperula odorata) is a versatile culinary and medicinal herb. Sow indoors from November En to February, or outdoors from June to October. Expected height: 20-25 cm.

8 in stock (can be backordered)

Sweet Woodruff (Asperula odorata)

Only fragrant when dried: Fresh plants have no scent

Traditional May wine: Classic German spring celebration drink

Coumarin content: The vanilla-hay scent that develops

The Sweet-Scented Groundcover

Sweet woodruff has a remarkable property – fresh plants are almost scentless, but dried leaves release a wonderful fragrance of vanilla, new-mown hay, and honey. This is due to coumarin, which develops as the plant dries. It has been used for centuries to scent linens, flavor drinks, and make fragrant garlands.

May Wine Tradition

The most famous use of sweet woodruff is Maibowle (May wine) – a German spring celebration drink made by steeping the herb in white wine and adding sparkling wine and strawberries. It is traditionally drunk on May Day to celebrate spring.

Other Uses

Sachets: Dried leaves scent linen closets and drawers.

Potpourri: Adds sweet, lasting fragrance to mixtures.

Tea: Mild tea drunk for relaxation, though coumarin means it should not be consumed in large amounts.

Growing Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a lovely groundcover for shady spots where little else will grow. The whorled leaves and tiny white flowers create a beautiful carpet. It spreads by runners and can become invasive in ideal conditions – perfect groundcover or problematic spreader depending on your perspective.