Asparagus ferns (excluding foxtail fern)


Photo: SA DWLBC		Asparagus ferns (excluding foxtail fern) Asparagus aethiopicus, A. africanus, A. plumosus, A.scandens Climbing and Ground Cover Plants South Australia Region

	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. NB: It is safe to grow the foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii') ask at your local garden centre.

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

Asparagus species are highly invasive environmental weeds. Eight Asparagus species are major weeds in Australia at present, including Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), a declared Weed of National Significance. These 'ferns' overtake natural species by developing dense thickets that deprive other plants of light and nutrients as well as destroying habitat. The most effective means of removal is to dig out the growth crown which lies just below the soil surface.





Additional suggested alternatives: Acacia pravissima 'Kuranga Cascade' or Grevillea 'Poorinda Royal Mantle'.

Alternative Plants


Photo: Lorna Rose		Chinese Star Jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides Climbing and Ground Cover Plants

	This evergreen twining climber from China has dark, glossy foliage and masses of small, highly fragrant starry-white flowers in summer. Initially it can be slow-growing, however becomes vigorous with age. Variegated leaf forms 'Tricolor' and 'Variegatum' are also available.

Photo: Immij		Creeping Boobialla Myoporum parvifolium Climbing and Ground Cover Plants

	A native of South Australia, 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.

Photo: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources		Dwarf bower wattle Acacia cognata 'Limelight', 'Fetuccini', 'Bower Beauty', 'Green Mist Climbing and Ground Cover Plants

	The compact cultivars of the bower wattle have outstanding decorative lush lime foliage with a mounded weeping habit. They provide year round ornamental value for small gardens, particularly cascading over embankments, retaining walls and pots on terraces and courtyards. They will fit well within native, exotic, oriental or tropical garden styles. They require good drainiage and once established, these acacias are moderately dry tolerant. Tolerates light frost.

Photo: © immij pty ltd		Grevillea Groundcovers Grevillea species and cultivars Climbing and Ground Cover Plants

	Among the highly recommended varieties are 'Royal Mantle', 'Bronze Rambler' 'Bedspread' and Gin Gin Gem'. All are fast-growing ground cover plants ideal for mass planting and covering of large areas. The red toothbrush flowers occur in spring and autumn. These species grow to about 0.3 m high by 2 m across and are frost tolerant. Grown as 'living mulch', they will trail over banks or walls and attract nectar-feeding birds. Mass planting is highly recommended.

Photo: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources		Grevillea nudiflora Grevillea nudiflora prostrate Climbing and Ground Cover Plants

	Cascading plant or ground cover for rockeries, walls, embankments and verges. Growing 30-50cm high and 1.5m wide, this grevillea makes an attractive living mulch, supressing weeds and stabilising soil. Suitable for undershrub plantings and coastal locations. Responds well to hard pruning. Flowers orange-red to purplish-red. Attractive to native birds and insects for food and habitat.