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Photo by Kurt Stueber

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Asphodelus albus

Also Known As

White Asphodel

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-4'
W: 1'-3'

planting zones

6a-10b

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Asphodelus albus plant details

Asphodelus albus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with blue foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Features glaucous and grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Asphodelus albus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae, xanthorrhoeaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, easy-to-grow, rock garden, summer dormant, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Asphodelus albus

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lots of star-shaped white flowers, 1" across, with green central veins. Forms a clump of linear, somewhat fleshy leaves. Comes from Central and Southern Europe where it can be found in barren, rocky soils.

By: Edelweiss Perennials

This tough, drought tolerant, long-lived lily relative makes tall flower spikes to 3’ in height, above strapping gray leaves, & grows to a width of two feet, enduring hot sun & bad soil with aplomb. This Mediterranean species was associated with death & mourning in ancient Greece, & goes deciduous in summer, after blooming through the months of Spring. Blooms are held densely on upright spikes, & are striped pink when in bud, opening up a starry white. Highly attractive to bees & other nectar seeking creatures!