Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff
Galium odoratum

Synonyms: Our Lady's Lace, Asperula odorata, Sweetscented Bedstraw,wild baby's breath; master of the woods
Photo is from lowjumpingfrog at flickr

This plant is considered a perennial that is a groundcover as well as a herb. Known to grow to 12 inches or 15 to 30 cm. Hardiness zone is from 4a to 8b in sun to full shade. Puts out lovely spring white blossoms that are fragrant. Will tolerate soil pH from slightly acid to neutral.

Has to have moist soil at almost constantly. Many consider it invasive but will die during most winters. Propagate by seed or dividing rootballs.

Today, I would like to introduce you to a plant that has been a favorite of mine for many years - the Sweet Woodruff.

The Sweet Woodruff, also known as Galium odoratum, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which includes coffee and quinine. The plant is known for its sweet, hay-like scent and delicate white flowers that bloom in late spring.

One of the reasons I love the Sweet Woodruff is because it is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers shade or partial shade and well-drained soil. It spreads quickly, so it is perfect for filling in bare patches of your garden. It also makes an excellent ground cover, as it will grow to about 6-12 inches in height and spread out to cover a large area.

But the Sweet Woodruff is not just a pretty plant - it also has many medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including liver and gallbladder problems, insomnia, and anxiety. The plant contains coumarin, a natural blood thinner that can help prevent blood clots and improve circulation.

One of my favorite uses for the Sweet Woodruff is in making a refreshing and delicious tea. Simply steep a handful of fresh leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste. The tea has a mild, sweet flavor and is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.

Another use for the Sweet Woodruff is in cooking. The leaves can be chopped and added to salads, soups, and stews for a subtle, sweet flavor. They can also be used to make a flavorful syrup that can be used to sweeten drinks and desserts.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, the Sweet Woodruff is also a popular ingredient in perfumes and fragrances. The essential oil extracted from the plant is used in many perfumes, soaps, and other scented products.

Overall, the Sweet Woodruff is a versatile and useful plant that every gardener should consider adding to their garden. It is easy to grow, has many medicinal and culinary uses, and adds a sweet, pleasant scent to your garden. So next time you're at the garden center, be sure to pick up a few Sweet Woodruff plants - you won't be disappointed!

Happy gardening, Amazon can provide any need for Sweet Woodruff (#ad). (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus

Synonym:Althaea syriacus

A beautiful shrub that grows anywhere from 4 to 10 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. Best grows in zones 5a to 9a. A decideous shrub that needs full sun for maximum beauty and blooms from late spring to late fall. The optimum pH is slightly acid to neutral. Seeds are the choice for propagation and some people will claim it is invasive.

Rose of Sharon, scientifically known as Hibiscus syriacus, is a beautiful flowering shrub that belongs to the mallow family. With its stunning blossoms and versatility, this plant has become a popular choice for gardeners and landscape enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the Rose of Sharon, providing information on its characteristics, cultivation, and care. Let us embark on a journey to explore the captivating world of this enchanting plant.

I. Overview of the Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon, also referred to as the Syrian rose, is native to East Asia and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world. This deciduous shrub can reach a height of 8 to 12 feet, and its spread can extend up to 6 to 10 feet. The plant displays attractive green foliage during the summer and produces an abundance of flowers that vary in color, ranging from white to pink, purple, and even deep red.

II. Characteristics of the Rose of Sharon

1. Blossoms:
The Rose of Sharon blooms during the summer and early fall, showering the landscape with its vibrant and eye-catching flowers. These blossoms typically have five petals and a prominent pistil at their center, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

2. Foliage:
The shrub's leaves are dark green, lobed, and ovate in shape. They provide an excellent backdrop for the stunning display of the flowers and create an appealing contrast against the vibrant colors.

3. Varieties:
There are numerous cultivars of the Rose of Sharon, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include 'Diana,' 'Blue Bird,' 'Aphrodite,' and 'Minerva.' These cultivars differ in flower color, size, and growth habit, providing gardeners with a wide range of options to choose from.

III. Cultivation of the Rose of Sharon

1. Climate and Soil Requirements:
The Rose of Sharon thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, making it suitable for a variety of climates. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade. The plant is adaptable to different soil types, but well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for its growth.

2. Planting:
Before planting, it is crucial to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and place the shrub gently, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting to promote root establishment.

3. Watering and Fertilization:
While the Rose of Sharon is relatively drought-tolerant, regular watering is necessary, especially during dry spells. Deep watering once a week is generally sufficient. Applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

4. Pruning and Maintenance:
Pruning is an essential aspect of Rose of Sharon care. It is best to prune during early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out congested areas to improve air circulation. Regular maintenance, such as mulching and weed control, will also contribute to the plant's overall health.

IV. Benefits and Uses of the Rose of Sharon

1. Ornamental Value:
The Rose of Sharon's vibrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for adding visual appeal to landscapes, gardens, and even container plantings.

Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis


Desert willow, that will grow as a bush or little tree, is at home throughout desert arroyos. An arroyo (creek in Spanish) happens to be an typically dried up creek bed or narrow gorge which briefly floods with water following heavy down pours. Every rainfall provides the desert willow a solid watering plus it reacts with a sudden discharge of new development and brand new flower clusters right at the end of its limbs. It might get 2 or 3 growing bursts throughout a damp summer season.

Desert willow can be propagated with seed, softwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings. Propagation with cuttings may be the only way to make plants with similar flower color to the parent plant. Plants created from seeds possess random blossom color. Desert Willow will grow as a deciduous good sized shrub or little tree that may achieve twenty five feet tall and twenty feet wide.

Perhaps even without having the well known green leaves throughout the wintry months, the shape of Chilopsis linearis is unique on the western horizon during the early evening hours. The limbs appear to zigzag their route to the edges of the leaf cover, when lengthy, thin, papery pods dangle decoratively and discharge their cherished seeds to eager birds through the entire winter months.

Desert willow has turned into a favorite scenery plant in the Southwest. It will grow quickly whenever frequently watered, but additionally can handle long stretches with no water which makes it a great low-maintenance plant. Plus, its gorgeous flowers enhance its overall appeal. The flowers are often creamy colored with a touch of purple, however cultivars are generally picked with colorings which range from white-colored to profound purple.

The desert willow shrub is usually selected and planted early in the year. The trees may be to some extent susceptible immediately after they are planted, therefore it will pay for people to let them have a complete summer to their 1st growth. Officially, the plants may endure without the need of watering when its roots are totally established, but when they get more water, they begin to develop sooner, therefore many people suggest watering them regularly till they get to an appealing size.