Asparagus setaceus 'Pyramidalis'
fern asparagus 'Pyramidalis'
A tender evergreen perennial with a bushy pyramidal upright habit found in woodland edge settings where it can become invasive, also used as a house plant, in container displays and floristry for its decorative foliage. The thorny stems have bristle needle-like leaves that form triangular upright plumes, 16 to 24 inches long, with a dense fern-like feathery quality. It has air-purifying attributes. Although best known for its feathery attractive foliage, it has also small, insignificant, off-white flowers in Spring.
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Climbing, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen, fruits 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
Accepted
How to grow
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.
Propagation
Propagate by division and by seed.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- hanging basket
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Cut flowers
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.
Pests
May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to foot and root rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.