Asparagus densiflorus 'Myerii' - Fox Tail Fern

Feathery and soft, this variety of asparagus native to South Africa creates great visual interest when massed; flowers are short lived and are hidden behind foliage therefore not very noticeable; this variety is a robust grower great for containers

Height: 30 inches. Spread: 4 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: (annual).

Ornamental features

Myers Foxtail Fern is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from mid to late summer. Its attractive tiny needle-like leaves remain light green in color throughout the season.

Landscape

Myers Foxtail Fern is a dense herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Myers Foxtail Fern will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. Although it's not a true annual, this plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.