Felder Rushing
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Asparagus densiflorus
Plant Common Name
Asparagus Fern
General Description
Asparagus fern is a tuberous, semi-woody perennial native to South Africa. In its native habitat, it is a scrambling subshrub that survives in a wide range of habitats across the southeastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. These include rocky lands, scrub, coastal dunes and wooded areas. In the landscape and garden, it is grown primarily for its soft, feathery, bright green foliage. There are many cultivated varieties; two of the more popular forms are Meyer's foxtail fern ('Meyersii') and Sprenger's asparagus fern ('Sprengeri'). Where winters are mild, it may be planted as a landscape perennial; otherwise it is grown as a tender perennial or house plant.
The evergreen foliage of asparagus fern is fine, bright green and densely lines the slender, wiry green stems of this ornamental. The stems have very small spines that can catch on clothing but are otherwise not a problem. In summer, small waxy white flowers appear along the stems and are followed by inedible bright orange-red berry-like fruit.
Plant asparagus fern in locations with partial shade and average to fertile, well-drained soil. This species will withstand a wide range of well-drained soil types; more specifically it is adapted to clay loam, loam, loamy sand, sandy clay, sandy clay loam and sandy loam soils. Its adaptability may be explained by the terrain it covers in its native South Africa. It will also grow successfully in both slightly acid (5.6 to 7.0) and slightly alkaline (7.0-7.5) soil. Established specimens will withstand limited drought and full sun but too much heat, drought and sun will cause the foliage to turn yellow and drop off. Excess water at the root zone can also cause root rot and defoliation. In temperate zones these are often planted as seasonal annuals. Enjoy asparagus fern in containers, hanging baskets or as bedding plants; in tropical regions it can be an evergreen groundcover or accent. It will successfully withstand coastal salt spray and wind.
Asparagus fern produces many fruits with fertile seeds that readily germinate. In subtropical regions, such as Florida and Hawaii, this plant is considered noxious or fully invasive and should not be planted. Cultivar 'Myersii' rarely if ever produces fruits/seeds and is a far better choice for the tropical landscape.
Characteristics
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 10
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
24"-36" / 61.0cm - 91.4cm
-
Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
-
Bloom Time
Summer
-
Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Insignificant
-
Flower Color
White
-
Fruit Color
Red, Orange Red
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Lime Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Lime Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Lime Green
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
Yes
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Fine
-
Foliage Sheen
Glossy
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Birds
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
