Photo: Ken-ichi UedaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bog Asphodel Plant Care
Narthecium ossifragum (L.) Huds.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its vibrant yellow flowers that stand out against its long, slender green leaves. Originating from Europe and Asia, Narthecium ossifragum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in wetland habitats.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Bog Asphodel?
Water Bog Asphodel every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Bog Asphodel Native To?
What Is the Bog Asphodel?
Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) belongs to the Nartheciaceae family within the Narthecium genus. Bog Asphodel is native to Western Europe, found on wet, boggy moorlands up to about 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation. Bog Asphodel is also known as Lancashire Asphodel, Bone-breaker.
Bog Asphodel displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Bog Asphodel produces small yellow star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bog Asphodel?
Narthecium ossifragum requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bog Asphodel Need?
Bog Asphodel thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bog Asphodel Prefer?
Narthecium ossifragum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Bog Asphodel prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bog Asphodel?
Moist, acidic soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Bog Asphodel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bog Asphodel?
Feed Bog Asphodel every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bog Asphodel?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bog Asphodel?
Bog Asphodel can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american bog asphodel plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bog Asphodel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bog Asphodel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bog Asphodel?
Bog Asphodel is susceptible to slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bog Asphodel Need?
Bog Asphodel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Bog Asphodel is native to Western Europe, found on wet, boggy moorlands up to about 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Bog Asphodel is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Narthecium genus — compare its care with other Narthecium species on PlantoScan.
Narthecium is part of the Nartheciaceae plant family — browse all Nartheciaceae genera and species.
Bog Asphodel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Narthecium ossifragum (L.) Huds., family Nartheciaceae (first published in Fl. Angl. : 128 (1762)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bog Asphodel, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ken-ichi Ueda, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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