Asparagus Fern or Ornamental Asparagus
Asparagus densiflorus (LILIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Asparagus Fern
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus
- Season of bloom and planting time for asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus
- When, how deep, and where to plant asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus
- How to plant asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus
- Watering, fertilizing, care and pests or diseases of asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus
- Landscape and indoor uses of asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus
- Comments about asparagus fern or ornamental asparagus and their features
Growing Asparagus Fern
Semi-tropical tuber. Semi-evergreen. Stands 18–24 in. (45–60 cm) tall. Shiny, bright to deep green, needlelike, leafy branches, to 2 in. (50 mm) long, form fernlike foliage on branchlets.
Common cultivars include Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myeri’ and ‘Sprengeri.’
See also: Asparagus or Lace Fern, Asparagus setaceus, an distantly related perennial shrub.
Asparagus Fern Planting and Care Guide
Flowers
Spring. White. Small, star-shaped, fragrant flowers form shiny, red, berrylike fruit.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 9–11.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich–average. 6.5–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Spring in full sun to partial shade. Space 2–3 ft. (60–90 cm) apart, 6–8 in. (15–20 cm) deep.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep moist spring–autumn. Fertilize in spring. Mulch. Propagate by division in autumn.
Lifting and Storing
In-ground. Protect from frost.
About This Species
Good choice for hanging baskets, beds, borders in arid gardens. Spider mite susceptible.