FERN ASPARAGUS Asparagus Densiflorus Sprengeri
Characteristics Type: Perennial Maintenance: Low Zone: 9 to 11 Suggested Use: Naturalize Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet Flower: Fragrant, Insignificant Spread: 3.00 to 4.00 feet Leaf: Evergreen Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer Fruit: Showy Bloom Description: White Other: Thorns Sun: Part shade Tolerate: Drought Water: Medium
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11. Plants can be grown outdoors year round as long as temperatures never dip below 20-25 degrees F. Plants perform best in organically rich, consistently moist but well drained soils in part shade (bright indirect light or filtered sun). Avoid direct hot afternoon sun which may cause the leaves to yellow. Tolerates full shade, but foliage may turn a lighter green. Plants may die to the ground in light freezes, but roots remain hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. Plants can be grown in containers that are overwintered indoors or as a houseplant.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Asparagus densiflorus, commonly called asparagus fern, is noted for its dense fern-like foliage which forms an arching mound that matures to 1-3’ tall spreading to 3-4’ wide. It is not a fern, however, but is a member of the asparagus family. It is native primarily to coastal areas in the southeastern part of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. It has escaped cultivation and naturalized in southern Florida where it has spread in a mildly invasive fashion. This ornamental asparagus is an evergreen perennial with outward- sprawling fibrous and tuberous roots from which rise numerous semi-stiff arching stems (to 24” long) covered with linear, needle-like green leaves (.75 to 1” long). Mature plants will bloom in summer with small, white-to-pale pink flowers, sometimes followed by clusters of green berries that turn red in the winter. These berries are poisonous if eaten.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for slugs, mites, mealybug, aphids. Leaf spot, rots may occur.
Garden Uses
Where winter hardy, it may be grown in borders or along foundations. Forms an interesting ground cover. Use in pots, containers and hanging baskets. Container plants make excellent houseplants for bright, sun- filtered areas. Green stems are valued by florists for adding to flower arrangements.
Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Society Plant Finder