Overview
Anthericum liliago is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Anthericum, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Anthericum liliago grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to S Sweden to Med.
About
This plant forms clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves that are mid-green and measure between 30 and 45 cm in length. It features upright stems that can reach up to 1 meter tall, topped with white, trumpet-shaped blooms that have a diameter of up to 4 cm, typically appearing in late spring.
About the genus
Anthericum consists of deciduous perennials characterized by fleshy roots and long, narrow leaves that grow from the base. The upright stems produce loose racemes or panicles of star-shaped or trumpet-like blooms in the spring or summer, which are succeeded by brown seed capsules.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Anthericum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Anthericum liliago size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- S Sweden to Med
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anthericum liliago
- Cultivation
- Ideally 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
- Pruning
- Seed spikes are attractive and can be left, but cut them back if you want to prevent self-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn or propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Anthericum liliago?
Ideally 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.
Where is the best place to plant Anthericum liliago?
Anthericum liliago prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Anthericum liliago need?
Anthericum liliago is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Anthericum liliago?
Seed spikes are attractive and can be left, but cut them back if you want to prevent self-seeding.
How big does Anthericum liliago grow?
Anthericum liliago reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Anthericum liliago hardy in the UK?
Anthericum liliago has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Anthericum liliago?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn or propagate by division in spring.