Svízel

Sweet woodruff is a jewel of spring beech forests and an ideal choice for the shady corners of your garden. This low perennial naturally grows in moist and shady groves, where it forms continuous carpets of fresh green leaves. Thanks to its low maintenance and ability to spread quickly, it acts as a perfect groundcover plant that effectively suppresses weeds and retains moisture in the soil under the canopies of trees or shrubs. In May and June, the cover lights up with a flood of tiny, pure white flowers that bring light and softness to darker corners. In addition to its ornamental function, woodruff is valued for its unmistakable aroma. It contains coumarin, a substance reminiscent of the smell of freshly cut hay with notes of vanilla, which fully develops only when the plant wilts. It is therefore traditionally used to flavor spring drinks, such as May wine, or to season desserts. The plant is fully frost-resistant and cultivation is easy even for beginners; just provide it with humus-rich, loose soil and plenty of moisture.