Asparagus declinatus (Bridal veil) - A delicate low-growing plant to about 1 foot wide with fine-textured deep soft-green needle-shaped leaves that densely cover slightly zigzagging slender stems that arch upward then cascade downward. In late spring into summer appear small white drooping flowers that are followed by little spherical berries that turn from green to whitish.
Plant in cool coastal sun to pretty deep shade and water occasionally to very little. Hardy to most frosts - was not fazed by temperatures down to 25 F in the winter of 2007 and can go deciduous with color temperatures and sprout back up from the base. The is a fairly drought tolerant plant in the shade and unlike many other asparagus ferns, this species does not have thorns and is actually soft to the touch. It will climb up a short ways on objects but without support makes a dense fine textured arching groundcover or is great as a small container specimen and its foliage makes a nice filler in flower arrangements.
Asparagus declinatus is native to forests of the Western Cape of South Africa where it is an understory to shrubs in the fynbos or coastal scrub or on rocky outcroppings. The name for the genus seems to be from the original Greek word 'asparagos' that was given to the cultivated asparagus and the specific epithet comes from the Latin word 'declino' meaning "to turn aside" or "to turn away" likely in reference to the way this plant arches outward. We have had this plant for many years and have never had it reseed in the nursery or garden, but it has naturalized in some parts of southern Australia. Our plants from Aloe hybridizer John Bleck.
The information about Asparagus declinatus displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |