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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
division
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
high (3500 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
sub-shrub
Height
:
0.5 m-3 m
Spread
:
0.6 m-2 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, secondary:
green
Period
:
August - October
Smell
:
scented, weak,
flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Toxicity
:
inedible
A mound of bright-green, ferny leaves make this Asparagus a very attractive perennial. Its rapidly
growing, prickly stems trail down walls or may cover the ground, including more slow-growing
neighbours. Insignificant, fragrant, white flowers are followed by red berries, which contrast
well with the shiny, needle-like foliage. They are, however, considered poisonous. Botanical
note: the leaves are what are known as ‘cladodes’ (modified branches), while the true foliage has
degenerated to tiny inconspicuous scales. This South African native looks best in semi-shaded,
rather protected locations. For a neat appearance, good drainage and soil with added organic
matter are essential. It is drought-tolerant, but only for a short time. Fleshy roots allow a quick
recovery, when leggy stems are cut back entirely to renew the plant or when the plant has been
damaged by frost. Dividing the rootstock is the easiest propagation method or by seed. A. d.
‘Sprengeri’ has landscape value as a groundcover or foreground planting. The trailing stems are
often used in floral arrangements, and this asparagus is frequently seen as a long-lasting indoor
or pot plant on a patio. Chlorosis may be a problem in alkaline soils, but can be prevented by
an application of ammonium sulphate or iron chelate. The low-maintenance measures include
fertilising and periodic pruning.
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Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’,
Asparagaceae
Ornamental Asparagus