Asperula gussonei

Not widely available for purchase, Woodruff is a species of perennial ground cover native to Sicily.  It was named for Giovanni Gussone, who was the director of the Botanic Garden in Palermo, Italy. 

This plant has tiny, tubular, stemless, pinkish-white flowers and small, green, moss-like foliage.  The flowers form in clusters, emerging from pink buds.  The foliage consists of succulent narrow leaves that are green in the spring and turn a gray-green as the season progresses.  

This low maintenance plant will require some early spring clean up prior to it begins to actively grow.  It makes an excellent choice for a rock garden, where it will cascade over the rocky terrain.  

Plant it in the full run in rocky, well-drained soil.  Allow the plant to dry out in between watering.  The soil must be lime-free and stony.  Some shade from the hot afternoon sun will benefit this plant.  During the winter months, the soil should be kept fairly dry.  It tolerates browsing by deer.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Locating in areas that remain moist or wet can lead to root rot.