About

Asperula gussonei is a low-growing, evergreen alpine plant that typically reaches a height of 5 cm. It features narrow, oblong leaves with a blue-green hue. In late spring and early summer, this species produces clusters of small, trumpet-shaped flowers in a deep pink color.

About the genus

Asperula includes annuals and both evergreen and deciduous perennials. These plants are characterized by their small leaves, which can be arranged in pairs or whorls, and they produce clusters of small, funnel-shaped flowers that appear in spring or summer.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Sand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pH
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Alpine Rockery
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native to
Sicily

Care notes

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
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn or root softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free