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Asparagus Ferns

Asparagus Ferns
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Invasive Plant
Asparagus Ferns
Asparagus aethiopicus 'Sprengeri' Asparagus plumosus and plumosus 'Nana'
 

Multi-branched prostrate and/or climbing herb from the lily family that form a dense underground mat of rhizomatous roots. The fern-like branches grow to 0.6 m high and up to 2 m wide with a covering of small sharp spines. These natives from South Africa have small white-pink clusters of flowers in late summer which ripen to bright red, orange or black fruits.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • By dumping of garden waste. The seeds are readily dispersed by birds and small mammals.
 

Although Asparagus Ferns are highly invasive environmental weeds, some species are still in production. These 'ferns' will overtake natural species by developing dense thickets that deprive other plants of light and nutrients as well as destroying habitat.

Please note: All other Asparagus species except the cultivated Asparagus officinalis have the potential to become invasive weeds.

 
 
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Alternative Plants

Creeping Boobialla
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Creeping Boobialla
Myoporum parvifolium
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

An Australian native, this evergreen hardy plant forms a dense, weed suppressing ground cover that will easily cover one square metre. This species thrives if grown in freely-drained soil and full-sun. The flowers are white or pink and occur from winter to summer. Sweet fleshy fruits provide food for native birds.

Mt. Tamboritha Grevillea, Prostrate Woolly Grevillea
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Mt. Tamboritha Grevillea, Prostrate Woolly Grevillea
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt. Tamboritha'
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

A highly attractive prostrate ground cover Grevillea with narrow pointed silvery grey foliage and masses of red and yellow spider flowers over a long period from winter to spring. Prefers full-sun to part-shade and grows best in well-drained soils. Will tolerate coastal, medium frost and drought conditions. Grows to 0.5 m high by 2 m wide. Attractive to nectar feeding birds.

Prostrate Rosemary
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Alternative Plant Prostrate Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
Climbing and Ground Cover Plants
 

A low growing or prostrate form of rosemary to 0.5 m high with a mass of lilac-blue flowers from late summer, right through winter and into spring. An aromatic culinary herb and one of the most beautiful and useful ground-covers. It is perfect for mass planting on retaining walls and in garden beds, or as a specimen in a pot. Hardy, water wise and very well suited to coastal plantings.

 
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