About
Asparagus, the ornamental asparagus, are evergreen or deciduous perennials and sub-shrubs with tuberous rootstocks, inconspicuous, scale-like true leaves and broader, leaf-like photosynthetic phylloclades. Small, white or pinkish flowers are followed by red berries. Grown for their decorative, feathery or fern-like foliage.
About the genus
Asparagus can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or sub-shrubs, sometimes climbing, with tuberous rootstocks and stems bearing both scale-like leaves and larger, leaf-like phylloclades. Small, white or pinkish flowers are followed by red berries. Many species are grown as ornamental foliage plants or houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toW Canada to W USA
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationBest grown on neutral to acidic, moist but well drained soil in partial shade.
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free