Fox Tail Fern

Asparagus sprengeri meyeri commonly called Fox Tail Fern originated in South Africa.

20130630Garden (Peggy Chin)This evergreen is not actually a fern. It belongs to the same family as culinary asparagus.

Fox Tail Fern is bushy and green with naturally trailing stems that grow approximately 2 feet long. The fleshy roots can store water for use in the dry season.

The stems are covered with tiny needles. In the tropics tiny white flowers appear. They then develop into small green berries which turn red when ripe. 

Fox Tail Ferns are fast growing plants and can soon fill a pot or hanging basket.

There are approximately 30 varieties of Asparagus Ferns.

Plant Fox Tail Fern in well-drained soil in a semi-shaded area where it will receive filtered sunlight and fertilize with Miracle Gro All Purpose Plant Food once every two weeks.

Fox Tail Ferns make lovely window boxes, hanging baskets or potted plants. They can also be used as fillers in landscaping. When I was visited Mustique, a small private island that is part of St Vincent and the Grenadines, I saw lots of Fox Tail Ferns used as fillers in exotic landscaping projects.

Until next week, Happy Gardening.