This annual has upright branched reddish stems that form a open rounded habit. It has whorls of mid green lanced-shaped leaves and the fragrant deep blue tube-shaped flowers appear in a terminal rounded cluster above the foliage during early summer.  

Hardiness zones 5 to 9

Asperula orientalis is naturally found from the Caucasus to Syria, Iran and Iraq growing in coastal and mountainous regions in woodlands from sea level to an altitude of 1,400 m (4943 ft). It has also naturalised in many regions with a suitable climate such as Texas in North America. 

It prefers an open sunny to semi-shaded position and it grows in reliablely moist well-drained moderately fertile, sandy to light clay loams but will tolerate lime with a pH range from 5.6 to 7.5 and is frost tender and slightly drought tolerant. 

Blue Woodruff is grown for its flowers and its upright habit. It is planted in small cottage gardens along borders for summer colour or used amongst roses. It is also used in a woodland setting where itself sows creating drifts and is ideal patio pots and planter boxes. It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions and establishes in one season and is short lived.  This annual is mass planted in parks and gardens for bedding displays and the flowers are cut for floral arrangements. ID 3671

Asperula (as-PAIR-uh-luh)  orientalis (or-ee-en-TAY-liss)

Rubiaceae (ROO-bee-AY-see-ee)
Coffee and Madder Family