Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers', an asparagus full of panache
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Asparagus
- Species
- Dense-flowered asparagus Asparagus densiflorus
Other names:Asparagus myersii, Asparagus myerii, Asparagus densiflorus Myersii
Some people call Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' rat-tailed asparagus. I find the nickname fox-tailed asparagus much more fitting. With its dense, downy leaf plumes, this cultivar of Asparagus densiflorus looks more like Goupix and Kyûbi than Splinter.
How to recognize Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers', the fox-tailed asparagus?
A compact perennial, Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' grows to a maximum height of 60 cm in all directions.
Unbranched stems grow from tuberous roots. These are flexible, upright or arching.
Each branch is covered not with leaves, but with cladodes. These fine, bright-green segments stand up like hairs on a fox's tail. Their distribution and density give the stem its cone or plume shape.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' rarely flowers in our latitudes. But small white flowers can bloom in the heart of the foliage.
If fertilized, they turn into red berries. They then contain a black seed that enables the plant to multiply.
Foxtail asparagus can cause skin allergies and digestive problems. Keep it away from pets and wash your hands after handling it.
Our care tips
Your Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers needs light. But its delicate foliage cannot withstand the strongest sunlight. Indoors, place the plant behind a window screened by a curtain. Outdoors, prefer half-shade.
Watering
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers They like to keep their substrates moist, but hate having a soggy root ball. Water when the substrate begins to dry out on the surface.
Use non-hard water—rainwater, for example—at room temperature.
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers They need a thorough watering. Pour water until the excess drains out through the drainage holes.
Let your Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers drain for a few minutes, then return the plant to its place. Also remove any standing water from the saucer or planter. It may cause the roots to rot.
Misting
If the air in your home is dry, spray the leaves of your plant with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Choose a pot with holes larger than the root ball. Use a plastic pot rather than a terracotta one. This material retains more moisture. Moreover, the plant develops vigorous roots. It is not uncommon for them to break clay containers. Plastic is more resistant.
Pour a layer of potting soil for green plants at the bottom of the pot. Plant your subject in the center and fill in with substrate.
Press down and water generously to remove air bubbles.
Your Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers doesn't like too dry an atmosphere. Place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls to improve humidity.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply green plant fertilizer once a month. Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers is not a very greedy variety. Halve the dose recommended by the manufacturer.
Prune
Cut back older stems to one or two centimetres from the ground to encourage new branches.
Prune branches to balance shape and maintain a compact habit.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose a well-exposed location, away from direct sunlight.
Dig a hole about 25 centimetres deep. Place a layer of compost at the bottom to enrich the soil. Work the soil to loosen it. If necessary, add sand.
Plant your Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers without burying the crown. Fill in and water to encourage rooting.
If you're building a bed, keep a 50-centimeter spacing between the various specimens.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
When repotting, divide the plant in two or three. Remove the soil from the roots to better locate the rhizomes. Using a clean knife or serpette, cut the roots. Be careful not to cut the tubers.
Obtain a perforated pot. Fill the bottom with potting soil for green plants.
Plant your cutting and fill with substrate. Tamp and water to remove air bubbles.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubsPlanter
- Categories
- IndoorRhizomeHerbaceous
- Tags
- BeginnerCold-sensitiveToxic
- Origin
- South Africa
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower color
- White
- Fruit color
- Red
Discover plants from the same family
Dense-flowered asparagus
Asparagus densiflorus
Asparagus sprengeri
Asparagus aethiopicus
Florist's asparagus
Asparagus setaceus
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
