Ornamental Asparagus

At-A-Glance Information

This 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. 

Ornamental Asparagus Species and Varietals

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
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Asparagus asparagoides (Simlax Asparagus)
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. 

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Asparagus crispus (Basket Asparagus)
This variety of Asparagus is an airy, graceful plant great for hanging baskets. The plants are bright green.

​Asparagus densiflorus
This species grows best in zones 12-24, H1 and H2. The species is less commonly grown than its varietals, outlined below.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' (Myers Asparagus)
This variety has upright stems reaching 2 feet or more that hold dense, needle-like leaves. It is sometimes called Foxtail Fern due to the appearance of the stems. Slow grower that eventually forms a 3-4 foot wide clump. Great for container plantings. 
Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' (Sprenger Asparagus)
3-6 foot long stems are covered in shiny, bright green needles. Berries are bright red. Great for training on a trellis; this plant climbs using small hooked prickles. Not picky about soil


​Asparagus falcatus (Sickle-Thorn Asparagus)
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 retrofractus (Asparagus macowanii)
Erect and shrubby, this Ornamental Asparagus variety is tender, with grey stems that grow 8-10 feet in length. Appears fluffy. 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 arrangements (they will last weeks in water).


​Asparagus scandens (Basket Asparagus)
Vine-form Ornamental Asparagus that climbs to 6 feet. Leaves are deep green in color, and are held on drooping stems. Flowers are greenish white and are followed by scarlet berries.

​Asparagus setaceus (Asparagus plumosus) (Asparagus Fern)
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 Ornamental Asparagus

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Asclepias tuberosa Gay Butterfly Series
Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow'
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 174 - 175, Asparagus, Ornamental
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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