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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

Asparagus officinalis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

common asparagus

Grown for its delicately-flavoured young shoots, or spears. The airy, feathery foliage growing up to 1.5m tall also makes it an attractive herbaceous perennial

Other common names
asperging herb
edible asparagus
see morewild asparagus
sparrow grass
merllys
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
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

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil, or in raised beds on light, sandy soil. Avoid frost pockets as spears are tender. Follow asparagus cultivation for more advice

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 2.5cm above the soil

Pests

May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails

Diseases

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

Get involved

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