About
This perennial grows in clumps and can reach heights of up to 1 meter. It features broad, linear, and thick leaves that have a leathery texture. During mid to late spring, it produces tall, branching spikes adorned with star-shaped white flowers, which may occasionally display a hint of pink. After flowering, it develops round green seed pods.
About the genus
Asphodelus consists of both perennial and annual species characterized by rhizomatous growth. These plants feature clusters of narrow, linear leaves at their base, while their leafless stems produce racemes or panicles adorned with star-shaped flowers. The blooms can be white or pink, with each tepal displaying a green or brown central vein.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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, Prairie planting, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- C & S Portugal to SW & C Spain, Canary Is. S. Europe. N Africa, Turkey.
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately-fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Can die back in heavy, poorly-drained soil
- Pruning
- Flower stems can be cut back after flowering, or left to display the attractive seed pods
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division after flowering
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free