How to Grow Sweet Woodruff Plants

Dig a hole for your seedling in spring or summer in a partially shaded area of your garden that drains well and doesn't hold water after a day or two of rain. The hole you prepare should be twice as big as the container your plant is in.

Fill the hole half full with compost and mix it with the loose existing soil. Remove the seedling from its container and carefully set it into the hole so the root ball rests on top of the compost. Fill in gaps around the root ball with soil to fill in the hole.

Spread mulch around the base of your plant 1 to 2 inches deep to help retain water. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moistened for the first month so the plant can establish its roots in its new location. Water more heavily and less often once the plant shows signs of growth.

Collect leaves from the plant in early spring straight off the stalk. Use fresh leaves in drinks or dry them out for a stronger scent and place them between stored sheets, clothes or towels.

Clip dried flowers from the stalks of the plants once they have bloomed and dried with pruners around mid-summer. Leave any dried flowers intact if you want to collect seeds; however, the seeds are difficult to germinate and take one to six months to sprout.

Rake back the mulch each spring and spread an inch of compost over the soil around the base of the plant to add fresh nutrients. Push the old mulch back into place over the compost or spread fresh mulch over the compost.