Foxtail Fern

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’

Characteristics

Culture

Foxtail Fern is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. 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). 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°F. North of Zone 9, plants can be grown in containers that are overwintered indoors. This is easily grown as a houseplant in the East Texas area 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

It is not a fern, but a member of the asparagus family. It is native primarily to rocky, open woods, savanna thickets, and coastal areas of southeastern South Africa. This plant has been widely introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental. Tiny, inconspicuous, fragrant, white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small red berries which ripen by fall. ‘Myersii’, commonly called foxtail asparagus or cat’s talk asparagus, is more upright and compact than the species, featuring erect spear-like stems. It typically grows to 2’ tall with a spread to 3-4’ wide. Each narrow, bushy, plume-like stem reportedly resembles a foxtail, hence the common name.  ‘Meyersii’ received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Problems

Watch for slugs, mites, mealybug and aphids.

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