Culture
Best grown in rocky, well-drained, dry to medium moisture soils in full sun. Grows well in scree or tufa rock. Susceptible to root rot in moist, poorly drained soils, particularly in winter.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Asperula gussonii, sometimes called woodruff, is a cushiony, low-growing, woody-based, tufted plant which typically grows to 3" tall and spreads to 8" wide. Features tiny grayish green (glaucous) leaves (to 1/2") in whorls of 4 and terminal clusters of tiny pinkish-white flowers which bloom in late spring.
Genus name comes from the diminutive of asper meaning "rough" in reference to the rough stems some species..
Specific epithet honors Italian botanist and physician Giovanni Gussone (1787-1866).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Rock gardens or ground cover for small rocky areas.