Description
Asperula – Woodruff
There are about 100 species of mat or tufted annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials and dwarf twiggy shrubs, in this genus. They occur from woodland sites in Europe, Asia, and Australasian. Most spread by underground rhizomes. They produce stalkless, narrow, opposite or whorls of 4 or more leaves. In spring or summer they’re smothered in tiny tubular or funnel shaped flowers with widely spreading lobes are borne on branched, terminal or axillary panicles or cymes usually white, pale pink, or occasional yellow. They often develop fragrance as the cut foliage dries out and some were used as strewing herbs. One species yields a dye.
When grown outdoors place in sharply drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. All Asperula tolerant alkaline soil. Protect from excessive winter moisture. Divide in spring or autumn.
Prone to aphids and spider mites.
Asperula suberosa – Asperula athoa of gardens – This clump forming evergreen perennial from the Mountains of Greece grows to 4” tall and spreads to 8-12” wide. It produces whorls of inversely lance shaped, white haired, bluish green leaves to 1/8-1/2” long. From late spring into summer it bears masses of tubular pale pink flowers to ¼” long in clusters.
Zones 5-8
