Overview
Asphodelus ramosus is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the genus Asphodelus, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asphodelus ramosus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants and gravel garden.
About
Asphodelus ramosus, the branched asphodel, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the order Asparagales. There has been much confusion over the nomenclature and taxonomy of the species, owing to its similarity to Asphodelus aestivus. Asphodelus ramosus is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. It can also be found in the Canary Islands. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants and gravel garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asphodelus ramosus
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 ramosus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asphodelus ramosus
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division after flowering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asphodelus ramosus?
Asphodelus ramosus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Asphodelus ramosus need?
Asphodelus ramosus 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 ramosus hardy in the UK?
Asphodelus ramosus 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 ramosus?
Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division after flowering.