Asparagus densiflorus
Asparagus fern, Emerald fern, Foxtail fern
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 1.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a froth of slender stems carrying needle like bright green leaves. There may be tiny white flowers in spring followed by red berries. This plant is too tender to over winter out of doors in the Britain and Ireland. It enjoys a bright but shaded site with a good loam soil, fed regularly whilst in growth. Give it a regular drink in summer and keep the compost barely moist during the winter months
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- bright spot, no direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 5C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen; fruits harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
General houseplant fertiliser
Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth
Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based houseplant compost for repotting
Buy container or house plant compost that is loam based if possible (i.e. is based on John Innes compost number 2 or 3. This contains more fertiliser and is better suited to established plants.
John Innes no. 1 has the lowest level of fertiliser and is used for seedlings and young plants, so is generally used where plants will be 'potted on' after a number of weeks.
Indoor temperature · Planting
5C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 5 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a bright spot, no direct sun
Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.