Asparagus densiflorus in West Los Angeles, California
Asparagus densiflorus is a perennial plant from the Asparagaceae family of plants. It is native to southern Africa, spanning from Mozambique to South Africa. They also call it Asparagopsis densiflora, Protasparagus densiflorus, Asparagus Fern, Emerald Feather, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari, Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern, Plume Asparagus, or Foxtail Fern.
Densiflorus is named after the dense flowering habit. It has fern-like leaves, that are alternate and needle-like. The flowers are axillary and bell-shaped, and white. After flowering, it produces green berries that turn into red berries in autumn. The height usually is about 2ft or 60cm but it can grow up to 4ft or 1.2m wide.
How to grow Asparagus densiflorus:
Grow Asparagus densiflorus outdoors in temperate zones otherwise treat it as a houseplant in a container. Plant it in organically rich, moist but well-drained soil. Place it in partial shade, and avoid the hot afternoon sun. It can grow in full shade but the leaves might be lighter in color. Reduce watering in winter. Propagate by seed or division. You can prune it back for new growth. Asparagus densiflorus is considered invasive in Australia and parts of the United States. Generally, it is trouble-free, but watch out for slugs, mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
