Overview
Asperula cynanchica is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Asperula, part of the Rubiaceae family, with evergreen, deciduous foliage. Asperula cynanchica 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.
About
It is native to much of southern and central Europe from Spain and Ireland to Russia, where it grows in calcareous and coastal grasslands. Its peculiar common name is an anglicisation of the scientific one. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, cottage and informal garden and garden edging. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cynanchica pyrenaica
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 cynanchica 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asperula cynanchica
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asperula cynanchica?
Asperula cynanchica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Asperula cynanchica need?
Asperula cynanchica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Asperula cynanchica hardy in the UK?
Asperula cynanchica has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Asperula cynanchica?
Seed, Division.
