Intermediate
skill rating
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Asparagus aethiopicus (Asparagus fern)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Asparagus aethiopicus
Other names
Asparagus fern, Ground asparagus, Protasparagus aethiopicus, Asparagopsis aethiopica
Genus
Asparagus Asparagus
Species
A. aethiopicus - A. aethiopicus is a tender, clump-forming, tuberous, evergreen perennial with upright to arching, finely-divided, bright green leaves and, sporadically, insignificant, white flowers in summer followed by spherical, red fruit.
Asparagus aethiopicus is: Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming, Upright
Toxicity
Contact with skin may cause rash or allergic reaction. Fruit is poisonous to humans and pets.
Flower
White, Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Scale insects , Mealybugs , Glasshouse red spider mite , Tortrix moth Scale insects , Mealybugs , Glasshouse red spider mite , Tortrix moth
General care
Pruning
Little to no pruning desired.
Propagation
Sow seed at 16C in early spring or autumn. Divide tubers in early spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Asparagus aethiopicus (Asparagus fern) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in bright, filtered light, shaded from hot sun. Can be moved outdoors in summer. In growth, feed monthly & water freely. In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in part shade. Declared a invasive weed in many introduced areas including the United States (Florida), Australia, and New Zealand. Formerly classified as a synonym of A. densiflorus, it is now regarded as a separate species.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Asparagus aethiopicus
Other names
Asparagus fern, Ground asparagus, Protasparagus aethiopicus, Asparagopsis aethiopica
Genus
Asparagus Asparagus
Species
A. aethiopicus - A. aethiopicus is a tender, clump-forming, tuberous, evergreen perennial with upright to arching, finely-divided, bright green leaves and, sporadically, insignificant, white flowers in summer followed by spherical, red fruit.
Native to
South Africa
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming, Upright
Toxicity
Contact with skin may cause rash or allergic reaction. Fruit is poisonous to humans and pets.
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Colour
Flower
White, Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Scale insects , Mealybugs , Glasshouse red spider mite , Tortrix moth
General care
Pruning
Little to no pruning desired.
Propagation
Sow seed at 16C in early spring or autumn. Divide tubers in early spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Asparagus aethiopicus (Asparagus fern) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in bright, filtered light, shaded from hot sun. Can be moved outdoors in summer. In growth, feed monthly & water freely. In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in part shade. Declared a invasive weed in many introduced areas including the United States (Florida), Australia, and New Zealand. Formerly classified as a synonym of A. densiflorus, it is now regarded as a separate species.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1) | Tell us... |
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