Asparagus densiflorus or the Foxtail Fern is a perennial evergreen that is native to Mozambique and South Africa. Foxtail Ferns are prized for their bushy leaves and is commonly grown indoors. They produce hundreds of tiny white flowers in spring that eventually turn into pretty but inedible red berries.
Foxtail Ferns are suitable for sub-tropical and tropical regions but are commonly grown indoors in temperate climates such as those found in Melbourne.
Foxtail Ferns has a clumping habit which makes it ideal for growing in containers and hanging pots.
Asparagus densiflorus is also called the Asparagus Fern, Basket Asparagus and Plume asparagus.
Growth
Asparagus densiflorus is a versatile evergreen that can be used as a ground cover, kept in containers, or grown indoors as an ornamental. They grow to a height of 1m (3 ft) and usually 1.3m (4 ft) wide. This species produces long arching branches that are densely covered by cladodes. Cladodes basically serve the same function as leaves do on other plants.
Foxtail Ferns enjoy warm, humid climates so during cold winters it can be helpful to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. They also require regular watering during spring and summer as the plant can grow quickly. Flowering occurs during spring, and they are pollinated by bees. The resulting red berries are ripe by autumn which are great at attracting a range of bird species.
Foxtail Ferns are frost tender and will suffer damage in temperatures below 10°C / 50°F.
Asparagus densiflorus is usually propagated by seed but mature plants can also be divided.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asparagaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical and Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 40°C / 50 to 105°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil mix.
LOCATION:
Full Sun or Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1m (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.2 cm (4 feet)
pH:
6.5-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
1-2 years depending on climate.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 16
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT ASPARAGUS DENSIFLORUS (Foxtail Fern)
Asparagus densiflorus is closely related to Asparagus the vegetable and have similar looking seeds.
Despite the name, Foxtail Ferns are not actually a fern as it reproduces by seeds, not spores. The common name refers to the bushy leaves which look like a fox’s tail.
