Asphodelus fistulosus

RHS Plant Profile
onion weed
onion weed John Fielding

Other common names

onion asphodel

Synonyms

Asphodelus tenuifolius
Asphodeline fistulosus

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial to around 60cm tall with tufts of hollow, rounded, grass-like leaves to 30cm long and hollow stems bearing racemes of white to pale pink flowers with a reddish-brown stripe down the centre of each petal

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Macaronesia, Medit. to Arabian Peninsula, Mauritius

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 or by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Flower stems can be cut back after flowering, or left to display the attractive seed pods

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free