The asparagus fern is a spreading shrub native to southern South Africa’s coastal regions. Despite its common name, it is not a real fern; instead, depending on the classification system used, it belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) or the lily family (Liliaceae, which includes plants like amaryllis, daylilies, hosta, and tulips). It belongs to the Asparagus genus, which contains the edible Asparagus officinalis as well as over 300 other species. The exact classification of this species is a little hazy, with most references to Asparagus densiflorus, but some also use the names A. aethiopicus, A. sprengeri, and Protasparagus densiflorus.
This sensitive evergreen perennial with vivid green, ferny foliage is popular as a houseplant or outdoor ornamental plant. It’s used as a groundcover or in pots outside in warm regions. Up is hardy in zones 9-11, although if sheltered, the roots can easily make it to zone 7. It is grown as a seasonal annual or container plant in more temperate locations. The asparagus fern can be found in shaded, sandy areas such as coastal dunes, open rocky areas, and woodlands in its natural habitat. It is usually found along shady roadsides and invading woodlands or rainforests where it displaces native vegetation and hinders native species from reestablishing. In some parts of the United States, including as Florida, Texas, and Hawaii, it is classified an invasive weed.
The asparagus fern has long, erect or trailing branched stems with sharp, stiff spines sparsely covering the axils. The spherical stems, which can grow up to 6 feet long and have a slight indentation running the length of them, are green to brown in color and have a shallow indentation running the length of them. Leaf-like cladodes are what appear to be leaves (short, flattened stems that look and function like leaves). From the nodes along the stem, these needle-like “leaves” appear in groups of four to eight. True leaves are scales towards the cladodes’ base that are scarcely visible. Plants feature a fibrous root structure, creeping rhizomes, and a large number of fleshy white bulbous tubers.
From spring to fall, mature plants with enough light produce little white or pinkish-white flowers in elongated clusters (racemes) along the stems. There are six tepals on each flower (3 petals and 3 sepals similar in appearance). They are little and inconspicuous, despite being fragrant, and plants planted in temperate areas rarely bloom. Plants have two sexes. Female flowers are followed by little round berries up to 1/4 inch in diameter if pollinated. The green fruits turn a glossy crimson color as they mature and contain one to three black seeds each. Many birds are drawn to the fruits, and in mild climes, they are responsible for unintentional seed dissemination. When swallowed, the berries can cause rashes and gastrointestinal discomfort, and they are hazardous to cats and dogs.
Plant asparagus fern in full sun or moderate shade; full sun plants are more compact and dense than shade plants. It thrives in moist, organic-rich soils, although it tolerates a wide range of climates and is drought tolerant once established.
The vivid green, arching stems, and airy foliage of asparagus fern make it a popular decorative. Its fine foliage has a soft or fluffy appearance and can be utilized effectively for textural contrast when combined with plants with medium or coarse-textured foliage or very large leaves. In cold climates, it can be planted in the ground alongside other annuals as a bedding plant after the final frost. In containers, this plant works well as a filler plant, especially in hanging baskets or huge urns where the delicate foliage can cascade down. When mixed with elephant ears, canna lilies, and hibiscus, it provides a tropical feel. The leaf can also be used as a filler in bouquets with cut flowers.
The asparagus fern is an excellent houseplant for inexperienced gardeners because it requires little maintenance. It thrives in direct or brilliant indirect light (the brighter the light, the faster it grows), and it can withstand periods of neglect because to its tuberous roots that store water. It thrives in a continuous moisture environment, yet in the winter, the plants should be kept drier and fertilizing should be avoided. If the soil is too dry or there isn’t enough light, the leaf will yellow and drop. To maintain the plant shaped, cut out any old or yellowed stems at the base and clip back the ends of stems.
Trim out old growth in the spring and begin fertilizing monthly for lush new growth. Because these plants can quickly outgrow their containers, they will need to be repotted on a regular basis. Because the roots are so powerful that they might break pots, larger, thicker containers may be preferable. Early in the spring, before new growth begins, is the optimal time to repot. Indoor plants can be transplanted outdoors seasonally (returning before frost), but they must be acclimated to the brighter light outside before being moved to a full-sun location. Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies occasionally infest this plant, which can be found indoors or out.
Seed and division are two ways to propagate asparagus fern. At room temperature, seeds germinate after 3-4 weeks. To speed germination, scarify the seeds and immerse them in water for a day before planting. Plants can be broken down into smaller parts, or tubers can be used to grow new plants. The optimal time to divide is in the spring, but these hardy plants can be propagated at practically any time of year.
‘Sprengeri’ and ‘Meyeri’ are the two most prevalent kinds. The latter, also known as foxtail asparagus fern, has more erect stems with thicker foliage that radiates outwards from the center of the plant, mimicking a fluffy animal’s tail. This variety works well as an erect focal point in the garden or in a container with lesser plants. In warm regions, it does not generate as much seed as the species, so it does not have the same invasive potential. ‘Cwebe’ boasts copper-colored new growth and beautiful, upright, arching stems. It thrives under bright light. More compact variants include ‘Sprengeri Nanus’ and ‘Sprengeri Compacta.’
Does an asparagus fern come back every year?
We hope we’ve been able to assist you if you already know the difference between annual and perennial plants. If you’re not sure, keep reading to find out what these terms represent and whether they’ll affect your decision to acquire certain plants.
Some plants are planted, grow, bloom, and die all within a yearly cycle, and they must be replanted in the spring to live for another year. Plants that come back year after year without needing to be replanted are also included. The distinction between an annual and a perennial plant is this.
What is the lifespan of an asparagus fern?
What is the Asparagus Fern Plant’s Lifespan? The asparagus fern plant can live for almost ten years if properly cared for, during which time it will continue to grow.
Can an asparagus fern live outdoors?
Grow asparagus fern in a medium to bright place indoors. In the South, it’s preferable to keep asparagus away of direct sunlight. Water asparagus fern on a regular basis; if it doesn’t get enough water, the leaves will turn brown and crispy.
Asparagus fern thrives in the shade or partial shade outdoors. It can tolerate full light as long as it is kept hydrated. It’s critical to water asparagus fern on a regular basis, especially if you’re growing it in a hanging basket.
How do you overwinter asparagus ferns?
Asparagus ferns flourish in warm, humid regions with temperatures that are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Better Homes and Gardens, the plants require a time of winter hibernation but cannot handle temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost damage to ornamental asparagus is uncommon in zones where it is cultivated as a perennial outside, but unprotected plants will be damaged or killed by extended periods of abnormally cold weather.
How do you winterize asparagus?
How to Protect Asparagus Plants During the Winter
- After the leaves begin to yellow and die down naturally in the fall, cut the stems and foliage back to ground level.
Is asparagus fern an evergreen?
Asparagus Fern is a type of asparagus “houseplant (insert houseplant here) Do you want to add a splash of color? Asparagus ferns are easy-to-grow plants that thrive almost anyplace, as the specimen in your dentist’s waiting area demonstrates. Though it’s a lovely addition to any indoor garden, keep in mind its true identity: It is poisonous to dogs and cats and has stinging thorns.
Asparagus fern is a bushy, feathery, fluffy perennial with erect or long, trailing branches covered in tiny, thin leaves. Small blooms or berries can be found on the vines. Asparagus fern is also known as emerald fern, emerald feather, and lace fern. It is native to Africa. Asparagus sprengeri is the most frequent variety. Ming fern and the more-groomed foxtail fern or Plumosa fern, an aggressive climber, are two more types of asparagus ferns.
Owner Mégan Twilegar felt nostalgic about a childhood asparagus fern during a visit to Pistils Nursery (pictured above): “This is the plant I remember watering for my mother when I was a kid, and I adore it,” she explained. “My mother’s plant was enormous and in a terra cotta pot, but it had these amazing mushy roots all around the base.” (If asparagus ferns appear familiar, it’s because they were all the rage in the 1970s.)
The Asparagus fern gets its name from the fact that its fronds resemble the tops of asparagus stalks. Surprisingly, asparagus fern is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae).
This plant is riddled with inconsistencies. Asparagus ferns, for example, are popularly used as houseplants yet are classified an invasive weed in other areas, such as New Zealand, Florida, and Hawaii. In addition, the phrase “The term “fern” is misleading since, unlike true ferns, the asparagus fern spreads by seed rather than spores.
Should you cut back asparagus ferns?
Asparagus should ideally be chopped back in the fall, but you must wait until all of the foliage has withered back and become brown or yellow before doing so. This usually occurs after the first frost, but it can also occur without frost in locations where frost does not occur. Cut the asparagus down to approximately 2 inches (5 cm) above the ground once all of the leaves has perished.
Are fern perennial or annual?
Ferns are perennials grown for their beautiful texture and capacity to thrive in conditions that are too wet, gloomy, or compacted for other plants. There are numerous different varieties, each with their own tastes and sizes. Some ferns are leathery and evergreen, while others die down to the ground in the fall and reappear in the spring.
How to grow: Select the appropriate fern for your soil type and exposure, and it will thrive. The majority of species enjoy damp shade. Because some ferns spread quickly, choose nonrunning varieties if your area is limited. After you’ve planted your plants, give them plenty of water to help them settle in. Except for cutting previous year’s fronds from deciduous species, they’ll be completely unfettered in no time.