About
Asparagus setaceus 'Pyramidalis' is a soft evergreen perennial characterized by its bushy, pyramidal growth pattern. Commonly found at the edges of woodlands, it can spread aggressively in suitable conditions. This plant is often utilized indoors as a houseplant, in container arrangements, and in floral designs due to its appealing foliage. The stems are thorny and bear needle-like leaves that create upright, triangular clusters measuring between 16 and 24 inches long, exhibiting a dense, feathery appearance reminiscent of ferns. Additionally, it contributes to improved air quality. While primarily valued for its lush foliage, it may also produce small, inconspicuous off-white flowers during the spring season.
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
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sand, Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Houseplants
- Habit
- Bushy, Climbing, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
- Toxicity
- Skin allergen, fruits harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- As a house plant, it prefers a fertile moisture retentive medium and to be placed away from direct sunlight. Keep away from the sun to achieve a darker shade of green in the foliage. Cut back to soil level if there is a need to regenerate the plant and regularly pinch back to make the plant bushier. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Pruning
- Pinch back the tips of stems to keep the shape and to promote density in the foliage. It can be cut back to the ground to regenerate.
- Propagation
- Propagate by division and by seed.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to foot and root rot