Asphodelus

If you drive along the Languedoc countryside in spring and early summer you can’t help but see Asphodelus everywhere. They are definitely a Mediterranean native and despite their frail appearance they are tough as nails in this hot and dry climate. Olivier Filippi gives them a 5 of 6 on his drought tolerance scale.

There are many different kinds of Asphodelus. So far I’ve managed to establish Asphodelus fistulosus in my garden as it’s quite willing to re-seed itself. I love its dainty flowers and stalks that bloom from January to May.

Apshodelus fistulosus grows to about 50cm high and 30cm wide. It grows in full sun or half-shade and, like all Mediterranean natives, it likes a well-drained soil. It tolerates frost down to -20°C and doesn’t need any special treatment. If you don’t want it to reseed, cut the stalks after the flowers are finished – this may also result in a new bloom.

In the fall I plan to add Asphodelus ramosus/aestivus and Asphodelus albus for their bigger, more showy flowerheads and summer bloom.