Plant Guide

Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'

• Common Name

  Myer's Asparagus Fern
• CA Native

  Non-native
• Plant Type

  Fern
• Size

  1' - 2' x 1' 2'
• Flower Color

  Insignificant Pale Pink
• Bloom Time

  N / A
• Leaves

  Bright Green
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  N / A
• Growth Rate

  Moderate
• Hardiness

  Hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Low Maintenance
  • Unusual Shape
• Water Use

  • Low
  • Moderate
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Not Particular
• Drainage

  Good Drainage
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  Myers Asparagus Fern is a versatile evergreen fern.It has stiff, upright stems that can grow to 2 foot tall. The flowers are insignificant but they produce small, bright red berries which are quite attractive. All Asparagus ferns have sharp thorns but the Myers variety have smaller, hardly noticable ones. This fern can be grown in pots, as a ground cover, along a fence or in a perennial border.

  This fern will grow in any soil but will do better in a soil with lots of compost in it. It is fairly drought tolerant once established but looks best with regular summer watering (once a week). Mulch well after planting to retain soil moisture.  Can be grown in full sun in coastal Marin but looks best in dappled afternooon shade in the hotter areas of Marin. The root system is extensive with many tubers. These tubers are used in periods of drought to provide food to the plant. They can also be used to propagate the plant.  Cut back in early spring to encourage brighter, fuller growth.

  No significant diseases or pests.

• Master Gardener Comments

  N / A
• Varietals

  A. densiflorus 'Springeri' - long arching fronds that can reach 3' long.

  A. densiflorus 'Maxeppa' - verg compact, dark green mat forming fern.