Perennial · North Texas care guide
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'
Nursery Pro tip: Not a true fern, so it takes more sun and drought than one. Freezes to the ground in a hard winter and returns from the roots — mulch it.
Not a true fern — stiff, bright-green plumes like bottle brushes radiating from a clump, 2 ft tall, with an architectural look that holds up all summer. Tough, drought-tolerant and beautiful in a container.
Part shade to shade; morning sun is fine, afternoon sun bleaches it. Well-drained soil. Space 2–3 ft apart. It has thick tuberous roots that can crack a thin pot, so use a sturdy container.
Spring or fall. Hole twice the pot width, crown at soil level, native soil with compost, Root Stimulator, mulch.
Weekly; it stores water in its roots and forgives a missed week.
Light spring feeding.
Cut out yellowed or frozen plumes at the base. It's root-hardy here — cut it back after a freeze and it returns in spring. Divide with a sharp spade every few years.
Freeze damage to the tops (cosmetic; the roots survive). It can reseed from red berries in a mild climate. The stems have small spines — wear gloves.
Container plantings as the 'thriller', or massed in a shade bed with holly fern, liriope and caladiums.
Written for Rockwall's black clay, heat and winters by the Landscape Source team. Every yard is different — bring a photo by, or ask LS-Ai, and we'll tailor it to your spot.