Asparagus is a name that brings to mind two very different plants. On one hand, we have the edible asparagus varieties that end up on dinner plates. On the other, there are the decorative asparagus ferns that gardeners love for their delicate foliage. Both share the same genus, but their uses, appearance, and growth habits are quite different.
In this guide, we’ll explore the edible types of asparagus like green asparagus, white asparagus, and purple asparagus, and then dive into popular asparagus fern species such as asparagus setaceus, asparagus densiflorus, and asparagus plumosa. If you’ve ever been curious about what makes them unique, this post will clear things up.
Asparagus Varieties: A Tasty Garden Treasure
When people talk about asparagus in the kitchen, they’re usually referring to the tender shoots harvested in spring. These shoots are nutritious, versatile, and come in different forms depending on how they’re cultivated.
Green Asparagus
Green asparagus is the most common variety you’ll find in supermarkets. Its rich green color comes from exposure to sunlight during growth, which allows photosynthesis to take place. Green asparagus has a slightly grassy flavor and a crisp texture, making it perfect for roasting, steaming, or tossing into salads.
If you’re starting with asparagus cultivation, green asparagus is often the easiest to grow. It thrives in well-drained soil, full sun, and with a bit of patience, you’ll have a perennial crop that can last for years.
White Asparagus
White asparagus is a culinary delicacy, especially in Europe. Unlike its green counterpart, it’s grown under soil or covered to block sunlight. This prevents photosynthesis, resulting in pale, tender stalks with a milder, slightly nutty flavor.
Harvesting white asparagus is more labor-intensive since growers must carefully mound soil over the spears as they emerge. But the reward is a gourmet vegetable often served with butter, hollandaise sauce, or lightly grilled.
Purple Asparagus
Purple asparagus is another exciting variety that stands out for its striking color and sweeter flavor. The deep purple hue comes from anthocyanins, natural antioxidants also found in blueberries and blackberries. This makes it not only eye-catching but also nutritionally rich.
When cooked, purple asparagus often turns green, but its sweetness remains, making it perfect for fresh salads or quick stir-fries. Gardeners love it because it tends to have thicker spears and a slightly higher sugar content than green asparagus.
The Ornamental World of Asparagus Ferns
Not all asparagus plants are edible. Many species are prized for their feathery foliage, often mistaken for true ferns. These ornamental plants, collectively known as asparagus ferns, belong to the same genus but serve a different purpose—beauty rather than food.
Asparagus Setaceus (Lace Fern)
Asparagus setaceus, sometimes called the lace fern, is popular for its soft, airy fronds. It’s often used in floral arrangements and as a houseplant. Although it looks delicate, it’s fairly hardy and can adapt to indoor conditions with moderate light and humidity.
This plant adds an elegant touch to homes, whether displayed in hanging baskets or ceramic pots, where its trailing stems can cascade beautifully.
Asparagus Plumosa
Closely related to setaceus, asparagus plumosa (also known as asparagus plumosus) is another favorite. Its fine, feather-like leaves give it a refined appearance, making it a popular choice for bouquets and decorations. Despite its fragile look, it’s easy to maintain and grows well in shaded gardens.
Many gardeners prefer plumosa because it stays lush year-round, adding greenery even when other plants lose their leaves.
Asparagus Densiflorus
Asparagus densiflorus is a versatile ornamental plant with several cultivated forms. One of the most well-known is asparagus sprengeri (also called asparagus aethiopicus sprengeri or sprenger’s asparagus).
This species has arching stems covered in needle-like cladodes that resemble leaves. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and grows well in hanging baskets or as ground cover. In warm climates, it can spread quickly, making it an easy choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Sprenger’s Asparagus
Sprenger’s asparagus, or asparagus sprengeri, deserves special mention because of its popularity as both an indoor and outdoor plant. Known for its trailing growth, it makes a charming addition to patios, balconies, and garden borders.
It pairs well with other decorative plants, especially when planted in terracotta pots, giving a rustic charm to any corner of your home or garden.
Growing Asparagus Ferns: Care and Tips
Although asparagus ferns aren’t true ferns, they share similar growing preferences. They thrive in bright, indirect light and like soil that stays moist but not soggy. These plants are generally forgiving but can spread aggressively if planted outdoors in warm regions.
Pruning helps control their growth and keeps them looking neat. For container growing, repotting every couple of years keeps the plant healthy. And while they look soft, their stems can have small thorns, so handle them carefully when trimming.
If you’re looking to add greenery indoors, asparagus ferns look stunning when placed near windows or even alongside other tropical plants like the Avocado Plant.
Asparagus Cultivation: From Soil to Harvest
If your interest leans more toward the edible side, cultivating asparagus requires a bit of patience but pays off in the long run. Asparagus crowns take two to three years before they’re ready for harvest, but once established, they produce for more than a decade.
Here are some key points for asparagus cultivation:
- Plant crowns in early spring in well-drained, sandy soil.
- Give them full sun exposure for healthy spear development.
- Keep the bed weed-free and mulch to retain moisture.
- Allow the plants to grow into ferns after harvest season to recharge their roots.
Pairing asparagus with other crops is possible, but remember that it’s a long-term investment. Once your bed is established, it becomes a reliable producer every spring.
Why People Love Both Asparagus and Ferns
What’s interesting about the asparagus genus is its dual personality. On one side, it’s a valuable food crop enjoyed globally. On the other hand, it’s a decorative plant admired for its feathery charm. For food lovers, dishes made with green asparagus, white asparagus, or purple asparagus are healthy and delicious. For gardeners, ornamental species like asparagus plumosa and Sprenger’s asparagus offer evergreen beauty.
Even the flowers of asparagus ferns add to their beauty. They produce small white blooms followed by red berries, adding an ornamental touch much like the Red Passion Flower or even the delicate Coconut Flower in tropical gardens.
Final Thoughts
Asparagus is a plant that truly wears two hats. Its edible varieties are celebrated for their taste and nutrition, while its ornamental relatives are admired for their beauty. From asparagus cultivation for fresh spring harvests to growing Asparagus setaceus in your living room, this genus has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a foodie, a gardener, or simply someone who enjoys greenery around the house, asparagus in all its forms is worth exploring. Add it to your meals, plant it in your garden, or let its ferns trail from a pot, it’s a plant that never disappoints.
