Asparagus aethiopicus 'Sprengeri': Sprenger Asparagus Fern

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Introduction

Sprenger asparagus fern is a rounded herbaceous perennial with a spreading growth habit, a height of 2 feet, and spread of 4 feet (Figure 1). It is used in the landscape for its attractive, fine-textured foliage. It is an important distinction that this plant is not a true fern; the fine-textured, fern-like foliage is what gives this plant the common name of asparagus fern. The structures that most refer to as leaves are actually leaf-like branchlets called cladophylls (Figure 2). These tiny cladophylls are linear, flattened structures that are bright green in color. They occur singly or in groups of 3 or more at a node. The stems of this plant emerge directly from the ground and become woody and spiny. Caution is recommended when handling this species as the thorns may cause significant irritation. This plant produces inconspicuous white fragrant flowers that occur in axillary racemes (Figure 3). Showy red berries follow the flowers, appear throughout the year, and attract birds (Figure 4).

The seeds of this plant may germinate and escape the cultivated area into surrounding natural areas and should be managed with caution to prevent escape. See the IFAS Assessment for further information (https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/asparagus-aethiopicus/). This plant is well suited for use in a mass planting or groundcover, in a container or above-ground planter, as a border, cascading down a wall, used in hanging baskets, or may be grown indoors.

General Information

Scientific name: Asparagus aethiopicus 'Sprengeri'

Previous name(s): Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ (misapplied)

Pronunciation: ass-SPAR-uh-gus A-thee-o-pie-cus

Common name(s): Sprenger asparagus fern, asparagus fern

Family: Asparagaceae

Plant type: herbaceous; perennial

USDA hardiness zones: 9A through 11B (Figures 5 and 6)

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: Caution in all zones, according to the IFAS Assessment: https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/asparagus-aethiopicus/

Uses: mass planting; container or above-ground planter; groundcover; border; cascading down a wall; hanging basket; suitable for growing indoors

Availability: generally available in many areas within its hardiness range

Description

Height: 1 to 2 feet

Spread: 3 to 4 feet

Plant habit: spreading; round; arching

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: fast

Texture: fine

Use and Management

Sprenger asparagus fern is adaptable to various well-drained soils and will thrive in partial to full shade. The foliage of asparagus fern is killed by frost in the northern range of its planting zone, but the plant will recover in USDA hardiness zones 6A to 11B. It is very drought tolerant and will survive in hot, dry locations, although it will grow slower in dry locations. This plant also exhibits salt tolerance and may be used in coastal landscaping. This plant should not be located in direct sunlight, as it will cause leaf scorching. Wet soil should be avoided as it can cause root rot.

This plant is well-suited as a border plant or groundcover. It can be maintained by pruning to less than two feet in height. It may also be planted in containers or above-ground planters, hanging baskets, or trained to cascade over a wall. This plant may also be utilized in mixed shrub groupings.

The berries contain 1 or 2 black, hard seeds that can be used for propagation; the seeds germinate in 4 to 6 weeks. This plant may also be propagated by cuttings and division of the root ball.

Pest and Diseases

Pest issues include mites. No diseases of major concern.