Dyer's Woodruff Plant Care

Dyer's Woodruff (Asperula tinctoria) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Asperula genus. Dyer's Woodruff is also known as Woad Plant.

Dyer's Woodruff displays a low-growing, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Dyer's Woodruff produces small, fragrant white or blue star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dyer's Woodruff every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Dyer's Woodruff thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Dyer's Woodruff in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Asperula tinctoria tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Dyer's Woodruff prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Dyer's Woodruff to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dyer's Woodruff every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dyer's Woodruff is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Dyer's Woodruff can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Dyer's Woodruff while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Dyer's Woodruff is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dyer's Woodruff can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to italian woodruff plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Dyer's Woodruff is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Dyer's Woodruff grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Dyer's Woodruff as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.