Asphodeline lutea
(Jacob's Rod, King's Spear, Yellow Asphodel, Asphodelus luteus)
Origin: Mediterranean region and Turkey
Family: Aphodelaceae
Light: Full sun
Height: 4-6'
Spacing: 15"
Blooms: Bright yellow, star-shaped, terminal spikes on long stalks, mid-Spring
Foliage: Blue-green, smooth, grassy
Soil: Well-drained, neutral - mildly alkaline, organic
Water: Moderate
Uses: Perennial bed, container, mass plant
Propagation: Seeds (Late Spring/late Summer), rootball divisions (Late Fall/ late Winter)
Comments: Asphodeline lutea or Jacob's Rod or King's Spear or Yellow Asphodel or Asphodelus luteus is a pretty herbaceous perennial with an upright towering growth habit. It is a native of the Mediterranean region and Turkey. In mid-Summer, it produces pretty spikes of bright yellow star-shaped blossoms borne on terminal stalks. This is followed later by seeds. Butterflies and bees are magnetized by its nectar-rich blossoms. Asphodeline lutea is easily propagated from seeds or rootball divisions. It is easy and low maintenance. King's Spear thrives well in mildly alkaline to neutral well-drained, organic soil in a sunny location. Yellow Asphodel self sows and forms a nice clump. Provide this towering plant with moderate moisture and mulch well. Pinch to prevent legginess. Deadhead to promote stronger growth. Mass plant Jacob's Rod for a terrific display in the perennial bed. Asphodelus luteus can also be container cultivated for the sunny deck or patio. The grassy blue-green foliage of Jacob's Rod looks appealing and definitely attracts attention.
USDA Zones: 6-9
JennysGarden.com...Plants
images and gardening descriptions of herbaceous perennial, Asphodeline lutea (Jacob's Rod, King's Spear, Yellow Asphodel, Asphodelus luteus) growing in Jenny's Garden
