The Mediterranean Junkerlily, also known as Yellow Asphodel, with its impressive flowers is an outstanding perennial for the rock garden.
The Junkerlily (Asphodeline lutea) is known to many in this country as Yellow Asphodel. It actually originated in the Mediterranean region, but today it is also found among many perennial lovers in Germany. Although it is not native to the local climate, it largely does not require time-consuming care. It is also one of those perennials that, once planted, provide year-round enjoyment in the garden because it does not lose its foliage during the winter months. Because of this, it has become a particularly popular plant for the rock garden, where the wintergreen really comes into its own in the bare surroundings.
The leaves of the lily are narrow and long. They are blue-green in colour, which sets them apart from many other perennials.
Not only the leaves are a striking visual feature of the Junker lily. The same applies to the flowers, which have an intense yellow color and are therefore clearly noticeable. The flowering period begins as early as May, but is only of comparatively short duration and lasts until June. Then the fruits form on the plants, which can hardly be overlooked due to their spherical shape. Together with the fruit, the Junker lily can remain in the garden until autumn or the following spring.
In our latitudes, the Junkerlily is difficult to reproduce without help. This is also due to the fact that the young plant in particular is very popular with snails. However, they quickly lose interest in the older plants, so that they then develop well.
| Junkerlily (Asphodeline lutea) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | basal tuft of leaves, erect peduncles, clump-like |
| Growth: | 50 - 80 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Planting distance: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | moderately dry, well drained, rich in nutrients |
The right location for theJunker Lily
In order for the Junker lily to develop well, it needs the most ideal possible location in our latitudes. A permeable soil is important, whereby the perennial also adapts well to heavy clay soil and flowers profusely. Particular attention must be paid to the nutrient content of the soil.
However, the Junkerlily cannot cope with waterlogging. Therefore, the perennial needs a little more attention, especially during the winter. If it is too wet, the roots will quickly rot. This progresses quickly due to the thick fleshy texture. Even in winter, the Junkerlily copes well with the local climatic peculiarities. In addition to the right soil conditions, you should definitely pay attention to a sunny to semi-shady location.
Asphodeline lutea can be combined in many ways
The Junker lily can be combined in many ways for a beautiful picture in the garden. It grows excellently with rock roses and perennial flax. The gentian speedwell is also a good partner for the Mediterranean perennial. Because of its yellow flowers, the Junkerlily is very popular as a cut plant and therefore also used for flower arrangements. Plants can reach a height of up to 80 centimeters under good conditions.
Large flower of the Mediterranean Junkerlily
The large, yellow flower is typical of the Junker lily. It grows on the plant like an ear of corn and reaches an impressive size of over 10 centimeters. This clearly sets it apart from many other perennials. The petals are golden yellow, contrasting with the evergreen foliage.
Due to its pleasant scent, the Junker lily is ideal for planting as part of a bee pasture.
Junkerlily - ideal for diverse garden design
The Junkerlily can be used in many places in the garden. It is ideal for planting in open spaces, where several specimens of the plant are particularly effective. However, it can also be used in stone structures and borders. The plant even grows excellently in the gravel garden, since it copes very well with dry substrates. Furthermore, the perennial has established itself in forests and bushes and brings a little color to the environment - especially during flowering.
It is important to ensure sufficient planting distance. The Junkerlily reaches a width of up to 40 centimeters. Therefore, the minimum distance should be between 30 and 40 centimetersmove.