Asperula gussonei
alpine woodruff
A mat-forming evergreen alpine with a woody base growing to a height of 5cm. Leaves are blue-green and narrow, oblong in shape. Clusters of small trumpet-shaped deep pink flowers appear in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green Blue | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Blue | ||
| Autumn | Green Blue | |||
| Winter | Green Blue |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Asperula can be annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials, with small, paired or whorled leaves and terminal clusters of small, funnel-shaped flowers in spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Sicily
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in gritty, well-drained compost in an alpine house, scree bed or rock garden, with protection from winter wet. Full sun or partial shade is ideal
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn or root softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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