Where to Plant Asparagus Fern
Asparagus fern is grown as an annual or houseplant in most areas of the U.S., but it is a perennial in USDA Zones 9-11.
Asparagus Fern Care Tips
Asparagus ferns are easy-to-care-for plants that grow as houseplants and in shady gardens.
Light
When asparagus ferns are planted outside, they prefer a location with dappled shade. For best results as potted houseplants, asparagus ferns should be placed in indirect or filtered light.
Soil and Water
Asparagus ferns perform best in organically rich, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once they’re established in the garden, the plants should be kept evenly moist. If you grow asparagus ferns as houseplants, you can move them outdoors to a shaded porch in warmer months. They don’t require periods of winter dormancy but appreciate a rest and reduced watering during the winter months.
Temperature and Humidity
Asparagus ferns prefer warm and humid climates (about 70°F) and cannot withstand temperatures below 55°F for long periods.
Fertilizer
When the plant is actively growing new stems and foliage, apply a weak liquid fertilizer about once a week.
Pruning
To promote dense plant growth, pinch back your asparagus fern’s stem tips by about a third every few months. If the plant’s shape becomes too sprawling, cut back the oldest stems close to the soil to encourage new growth. The stems of mature asparagus ferns can become tough and woody, with tiny but sharp spines along the branches. When trimming older plants, protect your hands with a thick pair of gardening gloves.
Potting and Repotting
When an asparagus fern needs to be divided or repotted, you’ll see the fleshy roots pushing out of the pot. At this point, you can repot the whole plant into a slightly larger container or divide the plant. When dividing, be sure to take several of the underground “bulbs.”
Types of Asparagus Fern
Foxtail Fern
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’ variety has dense, bottle brush-like stems that grow more upright. Because of this, it makes a better filler in containers than a trailing plant for a hanging basket.
Plumrose Fern
Asparagus setaceus looks the most like a true fern. The spreading layered stems are covered with tiny soft needles. Older stems can grow several feet long. Cut them back to promote denser growth.
‘Sprengeri’ Asparagus Fern
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ is the most widely available variety. It has arching stems with inch-long dark green needles.
Garden Plan for Asparagus Fern
This garden plan for partial shade combines easy, adaptable plants to add color to spots that don’t get full sun. The design calls for two asparagus ferns as filler toward the front of the bed.
