About
Anthericum ramosum, the branched St Bernard's lily, is an elegant, clump-forming perennial to around 60 cm with grassy, grey-green basal leaves and the characteristic branched, slender racemes of pure white, star-shaped flowers in early and midsummer. A graceful border perennial for a sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Anthericum are clump-forming perennials with fleshy roots, grassy or strap-shaped basal leaves and erect, slender racemes of white, star-shaped flowers in late spring and summer. Elegant border perennials for sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toS Sweden to Med
Care notes
CultivationIdeally this should be grown in soil that is moist but well-drained in summer and well-drained over winter; this provides the fleshy roots with moisture in summer yet allows it to overwinter. Full sun is essential
PruningSeed spikes are attractive and can be left, but cut them back if you want to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn or propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free