While their flowers are not showy, gingers produce unique maroon to brown, bell-shaped flowers just above the soil surface. Gingers are slow growing and require partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soils. Creamy white flowers appear in early summer but are not normally showy. Because of its aggressive nature, Bishop's Goutweed should be planted only in those areas where it can be confined. The dark green leaves reach 8 inches tall and can become unsightly by late summer.
New leaves are sometimes tinted red.
The fragrant foliage of Sweet Woodruff or Galium odoratum is often used in springtime drinks. The bright green leaves encircle the stems and are fragrant when crushed. The stems are topped with clusters of fragrant, white flowers in late spring. This perennial groundcover reaches 6 to 8 inches tall and prefers moist, shady areas under deep-rooted trees and shrubs. The leaves can be green, blue, gold, white, or various combinations.