Bath Asparagus (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum) - Wildlife-Friendly Native (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free Bulbs)

Known as Bath Asparagus, Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is very local in the wild in Britain - famously around Bath and the Avon Gorge - but it’s easy and rewarding in gardens when given sun and drainage. From a tuft of broad, leek-like leaves, it pushes up upright flower spikes bearing many small, greenish-white, star-shaped blooms that open in succession through late spring to early summer. The spires age beautifully into seedheads, giving light vertical structure after flowering.

For wildlife, Bath Asparagus offers useful pollen/nectar during the late spring gap and pairs well with meadow grasses, knapweeds, and lighter perennials where a more naturalistic look is desired. It’s best in full sun to light shade on well-drained, preferably chalky/limestone soils, and will naturalise modestly by seed over time without becoming pushy.

Planting: Choose a sunny, free-draining site (gravelly or chalk/limestone is ideal). Plant bulbs in autumn at 2-3× bulb depth (about 8-10 cm deep), spacing 10-15 cm apart in small groups. Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to feed next year’s bulbs; avoid waterlogged spots in winter.

Conservation / provenance note: Wild British populations are scarce and locally restricted - please never forage from the wild. Our bulbs are nursery-grown, peat-free and pesticide-free (never wild-dug).

Folklore & heritage: Its local name comes from the young flowering spikes historically eaten like asparagus in the Bath area. Today we grow it for wildlife and beauty - a living link between cultural history and conservation-minded gardening.

Joel says…
“I like Bath Asparagus for sunny, well-drained spots where you want something subtle but elegant. The spires look great through early summer and the insects do visit. Plant in loose groups and let the seedheads stand for a natural, meadowy feel. As always, peat-free and ready to thrive.”

Safety / truth note: While the young spikes have a heritage edible history, many Ornithogalum species are TOXIC and wild stocks are scarce. We don’t recommend eating ornamental plants - please grow for wildlife and beauty.

Why Wild Your Garden?
Unlike mass-produced plants from commercial growers, our wildflowers and bulbs come from small, peat-free, pesticide-free family nurseries that share our ethos. These growers use no herbicides, ensuring plants are safe for wildlife from the moment they arrive in your garden. Joel has used these trusted growers for 20+ years in his wildlife landscaping projects, so you can be confident they’re tried, tested, and genuinely wildlife-friendly. By buying from Wild Your Garden, you’re also supporting independent growers who put nature first.