Guide to growing Turkeybeard - Xerophyllum

A small genus of plants; Xerophyllum are hardy perennials that range in height from 60cm to 1.5 metres.

Xerophyllum has spiky leaves and blooms in the summer carrying small stellar flowers of white, atop stringy stems.

Some of the common names for Xerophyllum include Turkeybeard, Mountain asphodel, Squaw grass and Bear grass.

How to grow Turkeybeard

When growing from seed it is best to grow Turkeybeard and other Xerophyllum plants outdoors. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 6mm in flats using fresh seed at the end of summer/ early autumn. Sink the flats in a shady area, cover with glass and keep moist. It should take from one to two months for Turkeybeard to germinate in a shady area of the garden.

Ideally Xerophyllum should be spaced from 30 to 60cm apart and grown in a sunny part of the garden that has a rich soil of pH 6 to 8.

Caring for turkeybeard - Xerophyllum

It is important to supply Xerophyllum with a mulch every spring and to keep them well watered. If you require more plants then propagate Xerophyllum by division in the spring or autumn.