Overview

Asperula aristata subsp. scabra is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Asperula, part of the Rubiaceae family, with evergreen, deciduous foliage. Asperula aristata subsp. scabra grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, cottage and informal garden and garden edging. It is native to Portugal Continental.

About

Asperula aristata subsp. scabra is a mat-forming alpine rockery plant in the Rubiaceae with a low, spreading habit. It carries foliage that can be evergreen or deciduous and flowers from May to July. The plant is native to continental Portugal. It is suited to tight, well-drained situations such as crevices and gravel pockets.

About the genus

Asperula, commonly known as woodruff, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It contains 91 species and has a wide distribution area from Europe, northern Africa, temperate and subtropical Asia to Australasia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Asperula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asperula

In the garden

Asperula aristata subsp. scabra is a mat-forming alpine rockery species from continental Portugal, placed in the Rubiaceae. Its low-growing habit makes it suitable where a spreading ground cover is needed and it flowers in the UK from May to July, forming a tight carpet across thin soils or between rocks. Position the plant where it receives full sun or some partial shade; it tolerates any aspect. Soil may be chalk, clay, loam or sand provided it remains moist but well-drained, and it accepts acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Exposure can be either exposed or sheltered; however, its UK hardiness rating is H3 (borderline), so give extra winter protection in the coldest sites or plant where frost pockets are unlikely. Use Asperula aristata subsp. scabra in rock gardens, gravel beds, troughs, patio containers and courtyard settings, and along garden edges where its mat-forming nature defines paths or borders. It performs well in crevices and between paving slabs where thin soil restricts larger plants. Allow small colonies to establish in tight spots to showcase the spreading habit and reduce the need for edging interventions.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Asperula

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Asperula aristata subsp. scabra size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Alpine Rockery

Habit

Matforming

Foliage

Evergreen, Deciduous

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Garden edging

Native to

Portugal Continental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Asperula aristata subsp. scabra

Propagation

Seed, Division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions