Asparagus asparagoides

RHS Plant Profile
smilax asparagus

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Other common names

florists' smilax, baby smilax, Boston smilax, florist's asparagus, smilax, wreath lily

Synonyms

Asparagus medeoloides

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A scrambling, herbaceous, twining climber with stems reaching up to 3m, spreading by seed and tubers. Glossy green, sometimes heart shaped leaves, with white flowers in spring. Considered invasive in Australia and parts of North America.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Skin allergenfruits harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Asparagus can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, sometimes climbing, with tuberous rootstock. Stems bear both inconspicuous scale-like leaves and larger, leaf-like phylloclades, with small white or pinkish flowers followed by red berries
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil as tender perennial or conservatory plant.

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Divide tubers when dormant.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Cut back stems that die down after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free