2 named cultivars

perennial RHS Award

Sprenger's Asparagus Fern

Asparagus aethiopicus

$18.99

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Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Same species

2 named cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested; sap may cause skin irritation

The Story

Plant Bio

A sprawling, evergreen perennial with arching stems of fine, needle-like foliage (cladodes), often grown as a houseplant or annual. It is not a true fern but belongs to the lily family. This plant is prized for its tough nature and graceful, feathery texture, which makes it an excellent 'spiller' in container arrangements and hanging baskets. It produces small, fragrant white flowers followed by attractive but toxic red berries.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly valued for its fine, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with broad-leaved plants. It is a staple in container gardening, hanging baskets, and as a houseplant, providing a soft, cascading effect. The foliage is also a popular filler in floral arrangements.

In warm climates, it can be used as a drought-tolerant groundcover that quickly fills in areas with its dense, mounding growth. Its tolerance for some salt spray makes it suitable for coastal gardens.

The small white flowers attract bees and other small pollinators. The red berries that follow are eaten by birds, which then disperse the seeds. Note: This can contribute to its invasive potential in some regions.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$18.99

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with bright, indirect light or morning sun.
Use a well-draining potting mix.
Plant at the same depth it was in its nursery pot.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Feed regularly during the spring and summer.

Pro Tip

To rejuvenate an old, pot-bound plant, remove it from its container and use a sharp knife to slice off the bottom third of the root ball before repotting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide bright, indirect light for best performance.
Prune out any yellowed stems to encourage new growth.
Repot every 1-2 years as it grows quickly.
Keep away from children and pets due to toxic berries.
Mist occasionally if grown indoors to increase humidity.

Don't

Do not overwater, as the tuberous roots can rot.
Avoid placing in deep shade, which leads to sparse growth.
Don't expose to direct, hot afternoon sun which can scorch the foliage.
Do not let it freeze.
Avoid planting it outdoors in regions where it is considered invasive (e.g., Florida, California).

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful spiller for hanging baskets and containersFeathery groundcover in warm climatesTextural filler for mixed floral arrangements

Companion Plants

Pelargonium (Geraniums) Petunia Lantana camara Coleus Begonia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sprenger's Asparagus Fern questions

What zones can Sprenger's Asparagus Fern grow in?

Sprenger's Asparagus 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 Sprenger's Asparagus Fern deer resistant?

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

When does Sprenger's Asparagus Fern bloom?

Sprenger's Asparagus 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 Sprenger's Asparagus Fern need full sun?

Sprenger's Asparagus Fern does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sprenger's Asparagus Fern drought tolerant?

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