Rubiaceae; native to Europe, North Africa, and Russia.

Germination: Sow indoors at a temperature of 68 to 80° and with barely any cover. Seeds will germinate in 15-20 days. Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost is past in the spring and when the soil is warm. Sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and look for germination in 18-24 days.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 12 inches apart in partial shade in the North to full shade in the South (the leaves may scorch in strong sun). Site in a neutral to alkaline, humus-rich soil. Keep the plants well watered and the soil moist, but there must be good drainage. Plants grow better in the North than in the South as they prefer climates with cool summers.

Appearance and Use: Grown as a groundcover plant for naturalizing in shady areas, it is also tucked into herb gardens. This rhizomatous plants grows 18-20 inches tall and spreads indefinitely. The 1/8-1/4 inch, star-shaped, fragrant, white flowers cover the plants in late spring through mid summer; attracting bees all the while. The 11/8 inch long, lance-shaped, emerald green leaves smell of fresh mown hay when dried. The dried leaves were once used to stuff mattresses and are still used to fragrance potpourris. Steep fresh leaves in Rhine wine to create May Wine.