Perennials – Foxtail Fern

Botanical name: asparagus aethiopicus

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about 3 ft in height and in width

Bloom time: spring, summer

Hardy zone: zones 8 – 10

Flower color: white

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: takes about 3 growing seasons to reach maturity

Pruning instructions: trim diseased or withered leaves as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: great for shade gardens

Light needs: 4 hours of sun a day

Special features: great for air purification

Watering instructions: water when the top half inch of soil had dried out

Fertilizing instructions : use 10-1010 in the early spring after the last frost of the season

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: loam

Companion plants: begonias, hostas, jade

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested

Invasive species: no