Overview
Asphodelus lusitanicus is a tufted perennial herb in the genus Asphodelus, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asphodelus lusitanicus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds. It is native to Portugal and Spain.
About
Asphodelus lusitanicus is a tufted, deciduous cultivar of the Asphodelus genus, belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for south-, west-, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. This cultivar prefers well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, and can grow in acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, gravel gardens, Mediterranean climate plantings, banks and slopes, as well as flower borders and beds. Propagation is achieved by seed or division after flowering.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asphodelus lusitanicus
About the genus
Asphodelus is a genus of mainly perennial flowering plants in the asphodel family Asphodelaceae that was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The genus was formerly included in the lily family (Liliaceae). The genus is native to temperate Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, and some species have been introduced to, and are now naturalized in, other places such as New Zealand, Australia, Mexico and southwestern United States.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asphodelus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asphodelus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asphodelus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asphodelus lusitanicus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Portugal, Spain
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asphodelus lusitanicus
- Propagation
- Seed, Division after flowering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asphodelus lusitanicus?
Asphodelus lusitanicus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Asphodelus lusitanicus need?
Asphodelus lusitanicus 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 well-drained.
Is Asphodelus lusitanicus hardy in the UK?
Asphodelus lusitanicus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Asphodelus lusitanicus?
Seed, Division after flowering.