Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea).
This plant has several common names including: asphodel, flower of the dead, Jacob’s rod, king’s spear or yellow asphodel.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: asphodel, flower of the dead, Jacob’s rod, king’s spear, yellow asphodel
Scientific name: Asphodeline lutea
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Tufted
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Mediterranean Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea) – Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Asphodeline lutea likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Asphodel (Asphodeline lutea) – H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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