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Herbaceous Perennial

Asparagus officinalis 'Gijnlim'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

asparagus 'Gijnlim'

An upright, all male perennial grown for its edible, bright green spears with purple tips from spring to early summer. Once cropping has stopped tall stems develop with airy, feathery foliage

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
The young shoots (spears) are edible when cooked. Wear gloves for picking spears as they may a cause skin allergy. Fruits are harmful if eaten
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil or raised beds. Avoid frost pockets as spears are tender. See Grow Your Own Asparagus guide

Propagation

Propagate by crowns. Although propagation by seed is possible, it is not advisable as seedlings take longer, and may not be male cultivars which produce better plants

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Cut down foliage in autumn, when yellowed, to soil level

Pests

May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to foot and root rots and violet root rot

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