FLOWER GARDEN

The sacred lily of Greek mythology is in gardening phraseology the Asphodelus, a hardy herbaceous perennial of Southern Europe, with white or yellow flowers. The species ramosus attains a height of 4 ft. in good soil; it has long, sword-shaped leaves and bears white flowers in late spring and summer. It does well in a shady place. Albus, closely related, is a smaller plant; acaulis, 18 in., bears pink blossoms, and comosus, 2 ft., white. Closely related to the Asphodel is Asphodeline, the principal distinction lying in the upright stems. The species lutea produces a tall stem, sometimes 3 ft. high, clothed with dark green furrowed leaves, and studded with large yellow fragrant flowers in early summer. It is a hardy perennial, well worthy of a place in the herbaceous border. There is a double form.

Pron. Ass’-fo-del.