perennial RHS Award

Foxtail Fern

Asparagus aethiopicus 'Myersii'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

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Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested; sap can cause skin irritation.

The Story

Plant Bio

An evergreen perennial, not a true fern, featuring distinctive, plume-like stems that create a fine-textured, architectural effect. It forms a dense, upright clump. The 'Myersii' cultivar is prized for its dense, symmetrical, upright plumes resembling foxtails, offering a unique structural element to containers and borders. Small white flowers are followed by ornamental red berries.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its unique, foxtail-like plumes provide striking architectural texture and year-round green color. It excels in containers, as a houseplant, or as a specimen in subtropical gardens.

The dense foliage can be used as a 'filler' in floral arrangements, adding texture and volume. It is a tough, low-water plant for xeriscaping in appropriate zones.

The small, inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators, and the subsequent red berries provide a food source for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a spot with bright, indirect light or morning sun.
Use a well-draining potting mix or garden soil.
Plant at the same depth it was in its nursery pot.
Water thoroughly after planting, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Bring indoors before the first frost in colder climates.

Pro Tip

Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent foliage from scorching and yellowing.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
Provide good air circulation to prevent pests.
Repot every 2-3 years or when root-bound.
Protect from hard frosts.

Don't

Do not let the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
Avoid deep shade, which can lead to sparse growth.
Don't forget to wear gloves, as sap can be irritating.
Do not place near heating vents which can dry it out.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural container specimenFine-textured border accentDrought-tolerant coastal planting

Companion Plants

Coleus Lantana Agave Cordyline Salvia leucantha

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Foxtail Fern questions

What zones can Foxtail Fern grow in?

Foxtail Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Foxtail Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Foxtail Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Foxtail Fern bloom?

Foxtail Fern typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Foxtail Fern need full sun?

Foxtail Fern does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Foxtail Fern drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Foxtail Fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.