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Another uninvited strange plant creeping across the back of a border. More weeds?

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  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 3,740
    No it isn't @Papi Jo, that's just the photo. It's white in real life, see above.
    Sorry, I did mean the photo showed the wrong colours, not that blueish is the wrong colour for Galium odoratum. ;)
    I've got it in my garden and like it a lot. What puzzles me is that it's called "odoratum", as it does not have any smell.

    You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French).
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,628
    edited April 2022
    Papi Jo said:
    No it isn't @Papi Jo, that's just the photo. It's white in real life, see above.
    Sorry, I did mean the photo showed the wrong colours, not that blueish is the wrong colour for Galium odoratum. ;)
    I've got it in my garden and like it a lot. What puzzles me is that it's called "odoratum", as it does not have any smell.


    😮 

    It has a beautiful smell (and taste). 

    Fresh, slightly vanilla like, strong hay. 

    When crushed but I can smell it when I’m potting on next to where it’s planted. 




  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 3,740
    @TheGreenMan I've just been to the garden and had a good sniff at my Galium odoratum leaves and flowers, crushed or not crushed. I cannot smell anything at all.
    It would be interesting to find out what other forum members can smell.
    You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French).
  • JellyfireJellyfire Posts: 1,139
    I definitely get a hay like smell when I crush it 
  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    I have it growing beneath trees and later on in early summer the scent is noticeable on the air. Sweet, and as has been said, reminiscent of new mown hay.
  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    edited April 2022
    It's supposed to make for a great lemonade or cocktail. The roots give a pink dye.

    I like to it protect any open areas against cats. I don't find it hard to dig up and move. A jolly plant, I think.


  • seacrowsseacrows Posts: 221
    Fire said:
    I love it too. It will grow anywhere, in any conditions.
    Except in my garden. Been trying to get this to grow, off and on for a few years now. Tried seedlings in trays, seeds straight in the ground, bought a couple of plants, light shade, dappled shade, heavy shade, damp leaf litter soil. I'm beginning to think someone sneaks in and removes it at night. Is it the clay? or maybe competition from the ivy?
  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    edited April 2022
    It grows for me in more or less pure sand; on clay; in the dark.

    I wonder why it dislikes you @seacrows
  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    edited April 2022
    It grows here under trees, some areas get very dry, others stay moist. I also have some growing at the foot of a barn wall where it is incredibly dry and sunny -- here it hasn't spread much but grows okay, against the written odds.
    Maybe it is the ivy's roots that prevent the finer roots of your woodruff from getting a hold?
    Perhaps try clearing a patch of ivy and giving the woodruff space to get established.

  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,628
    Papi Jo said:
    @TheGreenMan I've just been to the garden and had a good sniff at my Galium odoratum leaves and flowers, crushed or not crushed. I cannot smell anything at all.
    It would be interesting to find out what other forum members can smell.
    I opened the back door just now and sat watching the birds. The woodruff is about a metre away from the step and I could definitely smell it. 

    Maybe some of us have more sensitive noses….or perhaps your plants are shy and introverted and don’t wish to release a scent…? 🤷🏽
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