About
Asparagus setaceus is a perennial plant characterized by its bushy, tuberous structure. It produces climbing stems that can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters. The foliage is composed of delicate, feathery leaves that are a vivid green. This species also bears small white flowers, which give way to deep purple 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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Architectural
- Native to
- South and East Africa
- Toxicity
- Skin allergen, fruits harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost 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
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in autumn or early spring, germinate at 16°C (61°F). Divide in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free