Asparagus falcatus
sicklethorn
A perennial with lax stems that may develop thorns, and start to twine once mature, needing support such as a moss pole. Foliage has long, narrow, glossy, dark green leaflets, and sprays of small, white, scented, star-shaped flowers are produced in summer, followed by red berries
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing, Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen, fruits harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Asparagus can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, sometimes climbing, with tuberous rootstock. Stems bear both inconspicuous scale-like leaves and larger, leaf-like phylloclades, with small white or pinkish flowers followed by red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Africa, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost such as John Innes No.2 in bright, filtered light sheltered from hot sun. Keep frost free. Water freely from spring to mid-autumn; water more sparingly in winter. Pot on in spring. Provide support once climbing shoots develop
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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