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Asparagus spp.

asparagus

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

Overview

Asparagus spp. is a genus of around 200 species of perennial herbs, climbers, and subshrubs in the family Asparagaceae, native to the Old World across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Growth arises from fleshy rhizomes and tuberous roots, sending up stems that range from 12 inches to 10 feet (30 cm to 3 m) depending on the species and whether they are erect or climbing. The true leaves are reduced to small papery scales; photosynthesis is carried out by needle-like or flattened modified stems called cladodes, borne in clusters along the branches. Most species are dioecious, with separate male and female plants bearing small, bell-shaped greenish-white to yellow flowers 0.1 to 0.3 inch (3 to 8 mm) long. Pollinated female flowers ripen into red, or occasionally black, berries holding one to several seeds. A. officinalis is grown as a vegetable for its emerging spring shoots, while A. setaceus and A. densiflorus are cultivated as foliage plants for their feathery cladodes. The berries of ornamental species contain saponins and cause stomach upset if eaten. Many species spread by branching rhizomes to form dense colonies over time.

Native Range

Native across Europe, Africa, and Asia, from the Mediterranean and temperate Eurasia to southern Africa. A. officinalis originates in Eurasia, while many ornamental species, including A. densiflorus, are native to South Africa.

Suggested Uses

A. officinalis is grown in vegetable gardens for its edible spears. A. setaceus and A. densiflorus are used as houseplants, in hanging baskets, and as filler foliage in cut-flower work. In frost-free regions some ornamental species are planted as ground cover, where a few have become invasive.

How to Identify

Identified by the absence of broad foliage leaves, which are reduced to scales, and by needle-like or flattened green cladodes clustered along wiry stems. Small bell-shaped greenish flowers hang from the branch joints, followed by red berries on female plants. Shoots emerge in spring directly from the ground as scaled spears before expanding.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 10'

Width/Spread1' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in late spring and summer, generally May through July. The small bell-shaped flowers are greenish-white to pale yellow and easily overlooked. Red berries develop on female plants through late summer and autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish-white to pale yellow

Foliage Description

green cladodes; true leaves reduced to scales

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Time to Maturity

2-3 years for edible crops to establish

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Asparagus spp. species grow in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with steady moisture during active growth. A. officinalis needs deep, fertile, near-neutral soil and an annual dormant period to crop well, and established beds remain productive for 15 to 20 years. Ornamental species tolerate a wide range of indoor and outdoor settings but shed cladodes in deep shade or under drought stress. Soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5 suits most species. Tuberous roots store water and let plants recover from short dry spells, though prolonged drought halts growth.

Pruning

Cutting ornamental species back removes old or yellowed stems and stimulates fresh growth from the base. The foliage of A. officinalis is left to die down in autumn before being cut to ground level, which returns reserves to the crown. Climbing species can be thinned to limit their spread.