Asphodelus albus

White asphodel is a tall, early blooming perennial with spears of white flowers and attractive glaucous grassy foliage. It is an architectural plant that is equally attractive in the border or naturalized in the landscape.

Happiest when grown in deep, sandy loam in full sun, but will tolerate part shade. Plants don't go fully dormant, but they do tend to fade from the landscape in summer.

Southern growers: it may be best to avoid this Mediterranean native. It is not a fan of hot, humid summers.

Zones: 5 to 9

Family: Asphodelaceae

Type: perennial

Height: 24 to 48 in.

Spread: 18 to 30 in.

Exposure: full sun

Soil Conditions: dry, lime-loving, calcareous

Bloom Time: May to June

Bloom Color: white with brown mid rib

Native Range: Central and Southern Europe

Image Credits:

Ragnhild&Neil Crawford from Sweden, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons