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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Asparagaceae (~Liliaceae) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Greenish White |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Fragrant Flowers: Yes |
| Synonyms: [Asparagus macowanii, Protasparagus] |
| Height: 6-8 feet |
| Width: 3-5 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Asparagus retrofractus (Ming Asparagus Fern) - A large, rangy shrub-like perennial to 6 to 8 feet tall with tuberous roots bearing upright stout silvery-gray colored canes that hold fluffy tufts of threadlike bright green leaves (cladophylls) on delicate intricately-divided side branches that have sharp small spines where they meet the main stem. Small fragrant white flowers appear in spring to early summer and are often followed by small orange round fruits. Plant in full sun to part shade. Irrigate regularly, occasionally to infrequently - quite drought tolerant even in containers. Hardy to 20 °F. Can be pruned sculpturally and is a popular plant for bonsai or as a container plant both indoors and out (in mild climates) where it can tolerate infrequent irrigation and long periods between repotting, though this itself is a chore as the root mass is large and durable. The cut foliage is great in flower arrangements and can last between 1 and 2 weeks. This plant comes from arid regions of South Africa where it grows from the peninsula north to the Karoo and Namibia where its Afrikaner name is katdoring; other common names include Ming Fern, Pom Pom Asparagus Fern and Zig Zag Shrub.
Information displayed on this page about Asparagus retrofractus is based on the research conducted about it in our library and from reliable online resources. We also note those observations we have made of this plant as it grows in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how crops have performed in our nursery field. We will incorporate comments we receive from others, and welcome to hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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