Asphodelus albus (White Asphodel)

Scientific Name

Asphodelus albus Mill.

Common Names

White Asphodel, Gamón-Blanco (Spanish), Afodill (Swedish)

Synonyms

Asphodelus albus subsp. albus, Asphodelus sphaerocarpus, Asphodelus deseglisei, Asphodelus deseglisei, Asphodelus ramosus subsp. albus, Asphodelus ramosus var. albus, Asphodelus simplex

Scientific Classification

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Asphodelus

Flower

Color: White
Bloom Time: April to June

Description

Asphodelus albus is a herbaceous perennial plant, up to 3.9 feet (1.2 m) tall. The plain stem is supported by fleshy, thickened roots. The leaves, which originate from the base of the stem, are gutter-shaped and covered by a waxy coating, up 28 inches (70 cm) long and up to 0.87 inches (22 mm) wide. The white hermaphroditic flowers are funnel-shaped, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, with six elongated petals. The flowering period extends from April through June. The egg-shaped yellow-green seed capsules are up to 0.39 inches (10 mm) long.

How to Grow and Care

Grow Asphodels in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. It does not tolerate heavy, poorly-drained soil. Irrigate occasionally to very little in coastal gardens. Considered hardy to USDA zone 6. It tolerates temperature down to 14ºF (-10ºC). Great as a border or accent plant.

Propagate Asphodels by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division after flowering. Although you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seed heads are attractive so can be left… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Asphodels

Origin

Native to middle Europe and the shores of the Mediterranean.

Links

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