Fern Asparagus

Asparagus Densiflorus Sprengeri

Characteristics

Culture

Fern Asparagus plants can be grown outdoors year round as long as temperatures never dip below 20-25°F. Plants perform best in organically rich, consistently moist but well drained soils in part shade, bright indirect light or filtered sun. Direct hot afternoon sun may cause the leaves to yellow. Tolerates full shade, but foliage may turn a lighter green. North of Zone 9, plants can be grown in containers that are overwintered indoors. Asparagus fern is easily grown as a house plant because it tolerates a wide range of temperatures, does not require high humidity and is easily pruned. It is best grown with a well-drained, peaty potting mixture. Water regularly from spring to autumn. It does not require winter dormancy, but appreciates a resting period with reduced watering over the winter months. This plant is often taken outside for the growing season and brought back inside in early fall. Pinch back stem tips as needed to maintain plant form and promote dense foliage growth.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Asparagus fern, is noted for its dense, fern-like, evergreen to semi-deciduous foliage which forms an arching mound. It is not a fern, however, but a member of the asparagus family. It has outward-sprawling fibrous and tuberous roots from which rise numerous, semi-stiff, arching stems. Tiny, inconspicuous, fragrant, white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small red berries which ripen by fall. ‘Sprengeri‘ features elongated, arching to cascading stems with an airy, feathery appearance. Mature plants will reach up to 2′ tall and spread to fill a 4’ area.

Problems

Watch for slugs, mites, mealybug and aphids. Leaf spot and root or crown rotting may occur. Leaf drop can be a nuisance when kept indoors, especially in winter.

 

 

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, sunfiltered areas. Green stems are valued by florists for adding to flower arrangements.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Society Plant Finder