Foxtail Fern – Desert Horizon Nursery

Foxtail Fern

Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'
Categories:
Perennials  ·  
Perennials
Light
Morning sun / afternoon shade
Water
Moderate water; water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. Increase frequency during extreme heat, especially in containers, and reduce in winter. Established plants tolerate brief dry spells.
Size
2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Perennial clump
Toxicity
Toxic if Ingested; Sap Irritant
Description
An ornamental asparagus with dense, needlelike green foliage on upright, plume-shaped stems resembling fox tails. Not a true fern; foxtail forms are often sold as Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’.
Bloom Time
Spring to summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Perennial clump
Mature Size
2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Bright green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Foundation Planting
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal
Soil
Amended / Rich, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Clivia, Dwarf mondo grass, Liriope
Toxic if Ingested; Sap Irritant
Berries toxic if ingested; sap may irritate skin; toxic to pets
Care Instructions

Light: Bright filtered shade or gentle morning sun with afternoon shade. Protect from intense Phoenix summer sun and reflected heat.

Water: Moderate water; water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. Increase frequency during extreme heat, especially in containers, and reduce in winter. Established plants tolerate brief dry spells.

Soil: Well-drained soil amended with compost. Use a freely draining potting mix in containers; avoid soggy soil.

Mature size: About 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide.

Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers appear mainly in spring and summer; red berries may follow.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in mild winters; frost can damage foliage. Protect during freezes in Zone 9b.

Growth rate: Moderate; faster with adequate moisture during warm weather.