Asparagus
( uh - SPEH - rih - gus )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of perennials, shrubs and vines grow in sun or partial shade and need regular water. There are about 150 types of Asparagus that are considered ornamental (which essentially means you wouldn't eat them), many native to South Africa. Some have small flowers that are fragrant followed by colorful berries. Most will be greenest in partial shade, and tinge yellow in denser shade areas. These plants are damaged by frost, but will usually grow back completely from roots. Take care when planting these in the garden, as their berries are toxic to humans and pets.
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Asparagus Species and Varietals
The genus Asparagus is the type genus in the plant family Asparagaceae, and includes 212 species. The best growing zones for Ornamental Asparagus are 12-24, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Asparagus acutifolius (Wild Asparagus) This species is native to the Mediterranean, and typically reach between 12 and 24 inches tall when mature. Foliage is feathery and branched, and has thorns. Flowers are greenish-white to yellowish, bell-shaped and form in small clusters in summertime. Blooms are followed by small green berries. |
Asparagus aethiopicus (Sprenger's Asparagus, Asparagus Fern, Asparagus Grass, Foxtail Fern) These perennial plants have tough stems sparsely covered with spines, and produce white to pinkish-white flowers in springtime. The blooms are followed by berries, which turn red in wintertime. These plants are native to southern areas in South Africa, and have been declared a weed in many areas of the world. |
Asparagus africanus (African Africanus) (African Asparagus, Bush Asparagus, Wild Asparagus, Climbing Asparagus Fern, Ornamental Asparagus, Sparrow Grass) Natives of Africa, these plants are spiny shrubs that reach up to 3.3 feet tall and produce stems that can reach up to 40 feet long. Foliage is fern-like and green, and flowers are white and small. They bloom in clusters in August and December in the plant's native range. Red fruits follow flowers. |
Asparagus asparagoides (Simlax Asparagus, Bridal-Veil Creeper, Gnarboola) This species of Asparagus has spineless stems that reach 20 feet or longer; and the 'leaves' are broad and glossy green. Tiny white flowers that bloom in spring are fragrant and followed by blue berries. Roots can survive long periods of drought, though it will die back in summertime and regrow from roots. Unless trained, this plant will become a tangled mass of greenery. Similax Asparagus can escape gardens and become invasive through volunteer seedlings spread by bird activity. Varietal 'Myrtifolius' ('Baby Simlax') is a more attractive form of this species. |
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Chinese Asparagus) These plants are native to eastern Asia, including the Philippines, Japan and Vietnam. The roots and stems of these plants are used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. Individual plants reach 5 feet by 3 feet, with trailing, shiny stems and needle-like green foliage. |
Asparagus densiflorus (Foxtail Fern Asparagus, Plume Fern, Asparagus Fern) The evergreen leaves are bright green and very small. This species is native to southern Africa, and is widely cultivated around the globe. This species grows best in zones 12-24, H1 and H2. The species is less commonly grown than its varietals, which includes 'Myers', a 3-4 foot clumper with ferny foliage. |
Asparagus falcatus (Sickle-Thorn Asparagus, Large Forest Asparagus, Imbekazana, Doringtou) This species has tiny white flowers that are fragrant, followed by brown berries. Uses curved thorns to climb structures, and can stretch to 40 feet, but in most gardens stays curbed at around 10 feet. Great for use as a foliage covering on walls or fences, or to provide shade for pergolas or trellises. |
Asparagus officinalis (Asparagus) These herbaceous, perennial plants reach between 3 and 5 feet tall, and can be grown as ornamentals or crop plants. Flowers are bell-shaped and greenish-white to yellowish, blooming in clusters of 1-3 in branchlet junctions. Toxic berries that follow are red. These plants are native to the western coasts of Europe. Foliage is green, and turns bright yellow in fall. There are many cultivars of this species, typically bred for hardiness and various crop colors. |
Asparagus retrofractus (Asparagus macowanii) (Ming Asparagus Fern) Erect and shrubby, this species is tender, with grey stems that grow 8-10 feet in length. Appears fluffy at first glance. Clusters of small white flowers bloom in spring. This is a great choice for a container plant and cuttings can be used as greenery in cut flower arrangements (they will last weeks in water). These plants are native to dry, western regions of South Africa. |
Asparagus setaceus (Asparagus plumosus) (Asparagus Fern, Ferny Asparagus, Lace Fern, Asparagus Grass) This species grows best in zones 12-24, H1 and H2. It is a branching vine that climbs by spines, reaching 10-20 feet long. Foliage is fern-like, and the plant produces tiny white flowers followed by purple-black berries. Forms a mass that is great for covering unsightly walls and fences. Foliage is used for filler in bouquets. Varieties include 'Nanus' (dwarf, good for containers), 'Pyramidalis' (with an upright habit, though is less vigorous than the species). |
Caring for Asparagus
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 174 - 175, Asparagus, Ornamental
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