About
Asparagus falcatus is a perennial plant characterized by its flexible stems, which can form thorns and begin to twine as they mature. This species requires support, such as a moss pole, to grow effectively. The leaves are elongated and narrow, featuring shiny, dark green leaflets. In summer, small, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers emerge, eventually giving way to red berries.
About the genus
Asparagus consists of evergreen or deciduous perennials and subshrubs, occasionally exhibiting climbing habits, characterized by tuberous root systems. The stems feature small, scale-like leaves as well as larger, leaf-like phylloclades. These plants produce small white or pink flowers, which are succeeded by red berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Climbing, Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- Africa, Asia
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Skin allergen, fruits harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost such as John Innes No.2 in bright, filtered light sheltered from hot sun. Keep frost free. Water freely from spring to mid-autumn; water more sparingly in winter. Pot on in spring. Provide support once climbing shoots develop
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free