Asphodeline lutea

RHS Plant Profile
asphodel

Other common names

flower of the dead, Jacob's rod, king's spear, yellow asphodel

Synonyms

Asphodeline flava
Asphodelus luteus

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial with narrow, channelled leaves and fragrant bright yellow flowers to 3cm across, in dense racemes in late spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Asphodeline can be herbaceous perennials or biennials forming a clump of narrow, grassy leaves, with starry yellow or white flowers borne in racemes on erect stems
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Mediterranean to Caucasus

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Can die back in heavy, poorly-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Although you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seedheads are attractive so can be left

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free