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Pruning guide · Perennial
Sweet woodruff: when and how to prune
Galium odoratum
Sweet woodruff is best pruned in March and June.
| Pruning months | March and June |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–June |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Sweet woodruff: when to prune it?
Hardly any pruning is needed. Cut out old stems in March and, if the carpet looks untidy after flowering, shear it back in June.
Sweet woodruff: how to prune it?
- In March, remove old, dried stems if they get in the way of the new leaves.
- After flowering, cut the stems back to a few centimetres with shears; it soon regrows fresh and green.
- Chop off runners that spread over paths or into other plants.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and June. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not cut back during a dry spell without watering afterwards: it then struggles to regrow.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Sweet woodruff · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.