For a gentle companion to succulents, an alternate to ornamental grasses or a means to effectively dress up a bare entryway or porch, consider foxtail fern. While many asparagus ferns are very popular planting accessories, foxtail fern is particularly eye catching and among my personal favorites. Its vivid coloring and distinct spreading stalks wake the backyard, contrasting and complementing surrounding foliage.
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Botanical name: Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’ (occasionally sold as A. meyeri or A. myersii)
Common names: Foxtail fern, Myer’s asparagus
USDA zones: 9 to 11; hardy to 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (find your zone)
Water condition: Moderate
Light requirement: Sun to partial shade
Mature size: 3- to 4-foot clump
Benefits and tolerances: Tolerates coastal conditions and deer
Seasonal attention: Evergreen
When to plant: Year-round
Caution: Foxtail fern is toxic to pets if ingested.
Debora carl landscape design
Debora carl landscape design
Distinguishing traits. You’ll see that this plant doesn’t look like a fern, and you are right — it’s not. Asparagus fern is a part of the asparagus family, a relative of edible asparagus.
Foxtail fern’s gentle, fluffy foliage maintains an upright look, forming a 3- to 4-foot evergreen clump. Arms resembling foxtails or rabbit ears radiate from the middle, covered in little, chartreuse, needle-like leaves.
Insignificant white flowers appear in spring, followed by red berries in autumn. Beware of little thorns.
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How to utilize it. You can showcase the odd form and vivid coloring of foxtail fern in the ground or in pots. If your climate leans toward the colder side, containers make it easy to transfer your plant to a protected porch or patio once the weather turns. Foxtail fern makes for a fantastic houseplant.
From the ground, mass foxtail fern for a dazzling effect. Its soft feel, distinct form and chartreuse coloring pair well with architectural succulents or other waxy leaf plants.
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Tara Bussema – Design and Neat Organization
Planting notes. Foxtail fern is hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit; it’s easily grown as a houseplant also.
External, the plant grows well in full sunlight, using light afternoon shade in hotter climates. Native to the coast, foxtail fern grows well in rocky, sea-coast conditions and prefers moderately moist soil, rich in compost.
In temperate climates you’ll be able to plant foxtail fern pretty much yearlong. Mulch and water well after planting to establish strong roots.
Foxtail fern grows quickly and can be divided every few years in spring. Eliminate spent foliage before new growth emerges each year. Too much or too little water even too much sunlight — can lead to yellowing leaves or leaf drop. If you become aware of that, adjust your care so.
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