Woodruff, known for its special aroma, is actually a plant that is often collected from wild locations in the forest. If the conditions are right, woodruff can also be grown in the garden.
Which location is optimal for woodruff?
The ideal location for woodruff is a shady place under a tree or bush, with constantly slightly moist, loose and impermeable substrate. Avoid direct sunlight, waterlogging and fertilization.
Sensitive to sunlight
Basically, the woodruff is a forest plant and prefers to grow in sparse deciduous and coniferous forests. That's why you should also make sure to choose a place in the garden or on the balcony with the right amount of sunlight for growing woodruff. Shady locations under a tree or bush offer ideal conditions, as the soil dries out less easily. Since the temperature fluctuations are generally higher on the balcony and terrace, you should pay attention to appropriate sun protection and a sufficiently large planter.
Water supply and substrate
The forest floor at the woodruff's natural habitat usually never dries out completely. Even when growing in the garden and especially in pots, you should definitely ensure that the substrate is constantly slightly moist. Although this should be permeable and not susceptible to waterlogging, it should not be fertilized or raked. The woodruff's fine roots can spread better in a soil that is as loose as possible than in heavy and loamy soil.
The propagation of woodruff in one location
In the wild, woodruff can often be found in the form of extensive carpets on the forest floor. If the conditions are right, it also spreads well in the garden, but for this it needs:
- a shady place
- enough moisture
- enough time
In order not to hinder the underground growth of the fine roots and thus propagation, you should not harvest the first woodruff stalks until the second year after sowing the seeds.
Tips & Tricks
It is sufficient to fertilize the woodruff if some leaves are piled up at its location in autumn. This also protects the woodruff from the snow load in winter.
