Hairy Woodruff (Asperula hirta)

Hairy Woodruff

Asperula hirta

Dainty star-shaped blooms carpet rock gardens with soft color. Low-growing flowering perennial; common name: hairy woodruff.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Thrives in partial sun to full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot temperate regions
💧
Watering Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained; avoid prolonged waterlogging to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to cool temperate zones; tolerates light frost and mild summer heat
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow linear leaves arranged in whorls around stems, covered in fine, dense hairs
  • Flower: Tiny star-shaped white or pale pink blooms in terminal clusters with subtle fragrance
  • Stem: Slender, upright to trailing stems with uniform pubescence
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture during growing season

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-strength fertilizer to avoid overfeeding compact growth

Banana peel tea:Soak 2-3 banana peels in 1L water for 3 days; strain and dilute 1:20 before applying to soil to support bloom production
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage extended blooming
  • Trim back leggy or overgrown stems in late autumn to maintain compact form
  • Clear dead foliage in early spring to promote new growth emergence
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: No ASPCA-listed toxicity; safe for feline exposure

Humans: No confirmed toxic compounds; safe for human handling and ingestion in small quantities

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental rock garden and alpine bed plant; ground cover for sunny slopes