Asphodelus aestivus
asphodel
A clump-forming perennial, to 1m tall, with broad, linear, thick, leathery leaves. In mid- and late spring it bears branched spires of star-shaped, white flowers, sometimes flushed with pink, followed by spherical green seed pods
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Asphodelus are rhizomatous perennials and annuals with clumps of linear basal leaves, and leafless stems bearing racemes or panicles of star-shaped, white or pink flowers, each tepal with a green or brown central vein
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & S Portugal to SW & C Spain, Canary Is. S. Europe. N Africa, Turkey.
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 by division after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Flower stems can be cut back after flowering, or left to display the attractive seed pods
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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