Blue Surprise Woodruff (Asperula orientalis 'Azura') is a stunning perennial herb known for its unique blue blooms and fragrant foliage. This variety, also known as Azura Woodruff, is perfect for adding a splash of color and a delightful scent to your garden. The flowers of this plant are star-shaped, and the leaves release a sweet, honey-like fragrance when crushed. Ideal for ground cover or border plantings, it also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden.

Key Features:

• 20 Premium Seeds: This packet includes 20 high-quality Blue Surprise Woodruff seeds, ready to grow into charming, fragrant plants.
• Unique Blue Flowers: The plant produces star-like blue flowers that bring color and beauty to your garden throughout the spring and early summer.
• Fragrant Foliage: Woodruff is known for its sweet, aromatic scent, especially when the leaves are bruised, which adds an extra sensory experience to your garden.
• Attractive to Pollinators: Blue Surprise Woodruff attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.
• Easy to Grow: This perennial is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in a variety of garden settings, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
• Ground Cover or Border Plant: With its spreading habit, this woodruff variety works well as a ground cover or along garden borders, providing both beauty and function.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Blue Surprise Woodruff thrives in partial shade to full shade. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, it prefers cooler, shaded areas and is ideal for planting under trees or in woodland gardens.
• Soil Preferences: This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Woodruff is fairly adaptable, but it doesn't perform well in dry or overly alkaline soils.
• Planting Tips:
  • Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil and lightly press them in, as they need light for germination. Keep the soil moist, and place the container in a location with indirect light. Germination can take 2-4 weeks.
  • Outdoor Planting: After the last frost date, transplant seedlings into your garden. Space them 6-12 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit. You can also directly sow seeds outdoors in early spring, covering them lightly with soil.
• Watering Needs: Woodruff enjoys consistently moist soil, but it should not sit in waterlogged conditions. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Temperature: Woodruff is a hardy plant, thriving in cooler climates with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F (10-21°C). It can tolerate some frost and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
• Fertilizing: Woodruff benefits from a light application of compost or organic fertilizer in the spring. However, it does not require heavy feeding and should be allowed to grow naturally.
• Pruning and Maintenance: Prune back the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth and encourage fresh, vibrant foliage. After flowering, you can deadhead the blooms to promote continued growth and prevent self-seeding.

Benefits:

• Aromatic Foliage: The sweet fragrance of the leaves makes Blue Surprise Woodruff a pleasant addition to herb gardens, patios, and walkways. Its scent is reminiscent of sweet hay and is commonly used in sachets, potpourri, and floral arrangements.
• Ground Cover: Blue Surprise Woodruff spreads nicely and forms a low-maintenance, attractive ground cover that helps prevent weeds and erosion in garden beds.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The small, star-shaped blue flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it an excellent plant for a wildlife garden.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, this plant is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal care. Its ability to thrive in shaded, moist conditions makes it an excellent choice for areas that may be difficult to plant in otherwise.
• Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, woodruff has been used in herbal remedies to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and anxiety. However, it should be used with caution, as some parts of the plant may be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Growing Zones:
Blue Surprise Woodruff is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It thrives best in cooler regions but can also adapt to milder winters.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Shade Gardens: Plant Blue Surprise Woodruff in shaded areas or under trees, where it will thrive and provide vibrant blue flowers and fragrant foliage.
• Ground Cover: Due to its spreading nature, it works well as a ground cover for filling in gaps in garden beds, adding beauty while reducing weed growth.
• Borders and Edging: Blue Surprise Woodruff is great for edging garden beds or along paths, providing a soft, lush carpet of greenery and blue flowers that will catch the eye.
• Pollinator Gardens: Include it in a pollinator-friendly garden alongside other plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Container Planting: While this plant prefers the ground, it can also be grown in containers. Use it in shaded balcony or patio gardens, where its fragrance and unique flowers can be enjoyed up close.

Conclusion:
Blue Surprise Woodruff (Asperula orientalis 'Azura') is a unique, fragrant perennial that brings beauty and scent to any garden. Its delicate blue flowers and aromatic foliage make it a standout choice for shaded areas or as a low-maintenance ground cover. With its pollinator-friendly blooms and easy-to-grow nature, this herb is perfect for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape with something special. Whether planted in a shady corner, as an edging plant, or in a pollinator garden, Blue Surprise Woodruff is a must-have for anyone looking to add charm and fragrance to their outdoor space.