Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Densiflorus) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 1st Feb 2024
- Plant Characteristics: This species is known for its bushy, arching branches filled with needle-like leaves, creating a lush, green, "foxtail" appearance. A compelling reason for gardeners to consider this plant is its ability to add texture and greenery to any space, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
- Growing & Care: Thrives in partial to full sunlight and requires well-draining soil. It's drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. This plant prefers a warm climate and should be protected from frost.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Foxtail Fern is an excellent choice for novice gardeners due to its low maintenance and hardy nature. Ensure proper lighting and be mindful of water requirements. While generally pest-resistant, keep an eye out for common garden pests. Note: The plant is mildly toxic if ingested, so caution is advised around pets and children.
Asparagus Densiflorus is more commonly known as the Plume asparagus, Asparagus Fern, and Foxtail fern. It belongs to the Asparagus plant family (Asparagaceae).
It has grown in popularity with gardeners because of its unique foliage. Plants reach about 2 feet (60 cm) in height. It has a scrambling nature with arching branches reaching about 3 feet (0.9 cm) long.
Blooms appear in the middle of summer. These last for about a fortnight. Flowers are small, pale pink or white, and aromatic.
Asparagus densiflorus photograph by sanxiaodevea.
Following blooming Asparagus Densiflorus will produce single seeded red berries. As these are beloved by many birds, this makes them ideal for wildlife gardens.
Although native to southern Africa, the plant is now seen in gardens across the world, where it does well in many hardy zones.
Asparagus Fern is an evergreen perennial plant. It is able to mound forming, sending off more fern leaves each year while the older ones increase in size.
Ideal garden locations for this fern include in four season gardens, in shaded or wooded areas where it can be difficult to grow other plants, and in helping to fill out the mid-ground areas as ground cover, or even as border plants.
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Asparagus fern
As a natural wooded area plant, Asparagus Densiflorus is able to tolerate a wide range of light conditions, preferring indirect sunlight to shaded spots.
It does need rich soil though, with plenty of organic matter in the soil to feed off of. Plant your asparagus firm in a rich, well-drained soil, but remember to keep it well watered.
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Densiflorus) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 in the United States, mainly because its roots can die off if it drops below 50°F (10°C) during the winter. In Britain, the plant can be grown outdoors in the summer only, as it is considered to be a UK hardiness group H1C plant.
As a perennial plant it can be left outdoors over winter in warmer areas.
For zones where the temperature dips lower, it is advised that you grow the plant in a container so that you can bring the plant inside in the winter once the leaves have died back.
-
Seed Success: Start Strong with this Ultimate Seed Starter Kit
Elevate your gardening game today by securing your Reusable Seed Starter Tray Kit. Get this must-have for any gardening enthusiast on Amazon and give your seedlings the head start they deserve. Embark on your journey to a bountiful harvest with confidence.
-
Garden Mastery: Unleash Your Potential with the Essential Tool Set
Boost your gardening with the CHRYZTAL Gardening Tool Set. Get this essential kit on Amazon for effortless gardening. A good set of tools is key to a thriving garden; make every cut count. Cultivate with ease and watch your garden flourish.
Asparagus densiflorus Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorus.
- Common Name: Asparagus fern, Plume asparagus, Foxtail fern.
- Growing Zone: USA: 9 to 11.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Indoor Plant, Perennial.
Plant Details
- Plant Height (Inches): 12 to 48.
- Plant Spread (Inches): 24 to 36.
- Time of Bloom:
- Flower Details: White.
- Leaf Foliage: Green.
- Fruit:
- Growth Form: Spreading / horizontal.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight.
- Rate of Growth: Quick.
- Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Adaptable, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained.
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist (Medium Moisture is likely gives best results).
Caring Conditions
- Care:
- Level of Maintenance: Low.
- Propagation: Seed or division.
- How to Prune: Not usually required.
- Pests: Can be affected by red spider mite, mealybugs, Tortrix moths, and scale insects.
- Diseases: Usually pest free.
Further Information
- Can Attract:
- Tolerant of: Drought.
- Best Garden Use: Container, In the control of erosion, Ground cover, En masse , Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen.
- Family: Asparagaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Asparagus, Yucca, and Agave.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Asparagus Densiflorus. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Asparagus and Yucca plant.
Elevate Your Gardening Game
Weekly Growing & Care Guides for Your Inbox!
Find the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
