Asphodelus Tenuifolius

Slender-leaved asphodel is a delicate annual from dry country stretching from the Mediterranean and North Africa eastwards into Asia. Fine, almost thread-like leaves form a light tuft from which wiry branching stems carry small white to pale pink star flowers, each marked by a dark brown-purple stripe. Although less imposing than the great perennial asphodels, it has an understated botanical charm and is adapted to sandy, saline and drought-prone ground. It suits a sunny gravel bed, dry border or specialist annual collection, flowering and setting seed quickly before summer heat intensifies.