Climbing Asparagus Asparagus plumosus
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Asparagus setaceus
- Phonetic Spelling
- a-SPARE-uh-gus plu-MOH-sus
- Description
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Wiry shrub with branches scrambling or climbing. One of the fastest-growing least demanding houseplants. Asparagus ferns are not ferns at all, they belong to the asparagus family. They need bright indirect light, without full sun. Insufficient light will result in yellow needles that drop. They prefer rich, slightly acidic well-drained soil. They produce large, tuberous roots that can become potbound quickly. If pruning is necessary, cut stems all the way back to the root rather than just shortening them.
Insect and pest problems: they are prone to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
It has become weedy in some locations where it grows outdoors.
Site: They can be brought outside under the shade of a tree during the summer but prefer temperatures of around 70 degrees F.
Quick ID Hints:
- Leaf-like cladophylls*
- Branches in horizontal planes*
Grown for the graceful feathery-like, fern-like foliage; sprays utilized in floral arrangements; adaptable to wide variations of light, temperature, and frequency of watering. Prefers medium warmth; water regularly in spring to autumn, sparingly in winter; intolerant of high light intensity, avoid direct sunlight.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Asparagus
- Species:
- plumosus
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South America
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9b, 9a, 10b, 10a, 11b, 11a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Green
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Occasionally produces a red berry-like structure, rare.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- Tiny white flowers appear late summer to fall. Inconspicuous, rare in interior settings.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Soft
- Leaf Shape:
- Acicular
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Plumosus comes from the Latin word "plume" because the leaves are feather-like. They produce soft, fine lime-green needle-like leaves that can cascade down a container on pendulous stems or can be trained up a trellis like a vine.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Wiry, herringbone pattern, lateral branches progressively shorter towards apex. CLADOPHYLLS bright to dark green, triangular-shaped, pointed apically.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Problems:
- Weedy
