Narthecium ossifragum
bog asphodel
A perennial wildflower, spreading through rhizomes, and common in suitable habitats in the north and west of Britain, and in Ireland. The leaves form a flattened tuft, like a miniature iris, with a spike of rich yellow, star-shaped flowers in summer - a good source of pollen for bees. Red seed capsules follow, and the whole plant turns dark orange in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Nartheciaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Naturally found in acid bogs, moorlands and other wet, peaty places. Needs humus-rich, permanently wet, nutrient-poor, acid soil in a sunny position
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.