Asparagus Fern

Common Names: Asparagus, Foxtail Fern, Ming Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Sprenger Fern, String Smilax, Greenbrier, and Tree Fern

Botanical names: Asparagus (as-PAIR-a-gus)

Availability: Year round

Vase life: 6 to 14 days

Storage temperatures: 38 - 65 degrees Fahrenheit

Ethylene Sensitive: No

Description: Fox Tail Fern resembles a fluffy fox tail. Ming Fern is light to dark green it has tiny tufts of needlelike leaves. Plumosa Fern ranges from dark to light and has a trailing or upright appearance. Sprengeri Fern is generally dark green with needle-like leaves densely packed on trailing stems. String Smilax is medium green with elliptical leaves closely spaced along a thin stem. Tree Fern is medium to dark green and appears in bushy plumes.

Color: Light, medium and dark green

Botanical facts: While the word "fern" is used as a part of the common names, these species are not true ferns. These ferns are members of the lily family, which includes asparagus, the common edible vegetable.

Design notes: These ferns make great fillers in vase arrangements, foam arrangements and bridal bouquets.

Purchasing hints: Make sure no leaves have fallen or have turned yellow.

Conditioning: Dip the entire fern in a solution of water and Pixie Sparkle ™. This will put a wax coating on the leaves and will help keep the moisture in and prevent browning. Cut stems under water with a sharp knife. Hydrate in warm water only for two hours before storage or usage. Store in water only.

Additional notes: Commercial floral preservative / floral food can cause premature leaf yellowing in some cultivars. It is acceptable to use a solution of warm water and commercial floral preservative / floral food in arrangements containing asparagus fern. Asparagus fern is susceptible to water stress which will cause premature leaf fall.