A Fast-Growing, White-Blooming Perennial Ground Cover That'll Thrive Under Your Trees

Ground covers don't always get the spotlight they deserve. They're the quiet team players of the garden, filling in gaps, covering bare spots, and making everything look a little more "finished." But don't mistake them for boring. These plants are practical powerhouses, acting like a living mulch by locking in soil moisture, keeping roots cool in the summer and cozy in the winter, and preventing erosion. They can even be a low-maintenance grass alternative to keep your lawn weed-free. On top of all that, they add gorgeous texture and color, creating an inviting, natural carpet that makes any bed or border look intentional and polished.

How to choose the best ground cover for your climate conditions doesn't mean settling for a one-note green mat. Some ground covers offer seasonal surprises that keep things interesting, especially when used under trees. Enter sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum). This charming perennial is not only fast-growing and dense enough to keep weeds at bay, but it also graces shady spots with delicate, starry white blooms each spring. It's especially handy under trees, where grass usually gives up the fight, turning those tricky areas into lush focal points with very little effort on your part.

Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving workhorse. Each spring, its carpet of deep green foliage is dotted with tiny, star-like white flowers that brighten up even the darkest corners. But it's not just about the looks. The foliage and flowers release a sweet, grassy, vanilla-like fragrance that gardeners often compare to a sun-dried meadow, adding an extra sensory layer to your landscape. Reaching only 6 to 12 inches tall and spreading 12 to 24 inches wide, sweet woodruff stays low and tidy while covering a lot of ground. It's hardy in zones 4 to 9 and doesn't demand sunlight the way many lawn grasses do, making it a perfect alternative in those stubborn spots bare beneath trees or shrubs. It is also one of the few plants that is insusceptible to the toxic juglone chemical released by black walnut trees, making it a great choice to plant alongside them.

What makes sweet woodruff even more lovable is its versatility. It thrives in cottage gardens, rock gardens, along shady paths, or even weaving between stepping stones, adding a touch of softness. Because it spreads quickly, it's also great for naturalizing areas, filling in slopes, or creating erosion control without the hassle of constant maintenance. Better yet, it's resistant to deer and rabbits, so your new carpet of green won't become an unintended buffet. 

Gardeners also enjoy its dried flowers and foliage for craft projects or fragrant sachets, proving that this ground cover works just as well indoors as it does outdoors. Easy to grow, low-maintenance, and undeniably charming, sweet woodruff is a filler plant that can elevate any shade garden into something special. Use these top tips for successfully planting ground covers in your yard.