Slender Asphodel
asphodelus tenuifolius
Also known as: ["Thin-leaved Asphodel"]
Overview
A drought-tolerant perennial herb with slender, grass-like leaves and white or pinkish flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus: | Asphodelus |
| Botanical Name: | Asphodelus tenuifolius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, xeriscapes, or containers in arid to semi-arid regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but thrives in direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday heat in summer; ideal for outdoor, open areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid deep shade; rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust for seasonal dryness.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy clay mixes; use pots with drainage holes.
Temperature
Warm to hot conditions (20–30°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers above 10°C.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 6–8 weeks during active growth with a balanced, diluted fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply hormone (if used).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm (20–25°C), humid, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; cut at a 45-degree angle; remove dead/damaged stems; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; place in slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot.
Checklist
Choose right pot; prepare soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone until soil is moist but not saturated. Ensure excess drains away to prevent root rot. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or coarse grit to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root damage or dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate roots with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, dehydration, or reduced flowering in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide partial shade; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during active growth; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly in growing season (spring–summer). Avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAsphodelus tenuifolius is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful physiological effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAsphodelus tenuifolius is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAsphodelus tenuifolius is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Asphodelus tenuifolius toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water sparingly, as it is highly drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions.
Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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