Foxtail Fern

Foxtail Fern, also known as Meyers Asparagus Fern or Foxtail Asparagus Fern, is a distinctive evergreen perennial prized for its upright, fluffy green plumes and naturally sculptural appearance. Its densely packed foliage resembles soft fox tails, adding texture and movement to Florida landscapes.

Foxtail Fern performs well in Orlando, Windermere, MetroWest, and surrounding Central Florida communities. It is an excellent choice for landscape borders, foundation beds, mass plantings, rock gardens, poolside landscapes, entryway accents, and decorative containers.

Although it is commonly called a fern, Foxtail Fern is not a true fern. It belongs to the asparagus family and grows from water-storing tuberous roots.

Plant History

Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’) originated in southern Africa, where the parent species grows naturally in rocky woodlands, coastal regions, and savanna thickets.

The ‘Myersii’ variety was selected for its compact growth and distinctive upright, bottlebrush-shaped stems. Historical nursery accounts suggest that the selection was developed from plants collected in South Africa and later introduced to the United States through the ornamental nursery trade during the twentieth century.

There is no reliable record identifying the exact year Foxtail Fern first arrived in Orlando. Florida nurseries adopted it because its tropical appearance, shade tolerance, manageable size, and water-storing roots were well suited to Central Florida landscapes.

Why Choose Foxtail Fern?

• Produces distinctive upright, fluffy green plumes
• Adds fine texture and movement to landscape beds
• Maintains attractive foliage throughout most of the year
• Performs well in partial to full shade
• Tolerates short dry periods after becoming established
• Works well in small landscape spaces
• Requires little routine pruning
• Provides excellent contrast with broad-leaved tropical plants
• Suitable for homes, HOAs, and commercial properties
• Grows well in decorative containers

Common Landscape Uses

• Front-of-home foundation planting
• Landscape borders
• Mass plantings
• Shaded tropical beds
• Pool and patio landscapes
• Rock gardens
• Entryway accents
• Decorative containers and raised planters
• Small informal hedges
• Indoor planting in bright, filtered light

Foxtail Fern Care

• Botanical name: Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’
• Plant type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial
• Plant family: Asparagaceae
• Sunlight: Partial shade to full shade
• Water: Water regularly while establishing; moderately drought tolerant afterward
• Soil: Adaptable but requires good drainage
• Growth habit: Upright, vase-shaped, and clumping
• Growth rate: Moderate to fast
• Typical height: Approximately 1–2 feet
• Typical spread: Approximately 2–4 feet
• Spacing: Generally 18–24 inches apart
• Flowers: Small, fragrant white or pale-pink flowers may appear periodically
• Fruit: Mature plants may produce decorative red berries
• Maintenance: Remove damaged or declining stems at their base
• Cold tolerance: Foliage may be damaged by freezing temperatures, but established roots can produce new growth

We recommend Foxtail Ferns for partial to full shade and warns that direct sunlight can scorch its foliage. It is moderately drought tolerant but requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

Orlando Planting and Cold-Weather Guidance

Foxtail Fern grows best in bright, filtered light or partial shade. In Orlando, intense direct sunlight—especially during the afternoon—can bleach or scorch the foliage. A location receiving morning sun followed by afternoon shade is generally a good choice.

Its tuberous roots store water, helping established plants tolerate short dry periods. However, those roots can also rot in constantly wet soil. Use well-drained planting soil and avoid placing Foxtail Fern where irrigation or rainwater regularly collects.

Freezing temperatures may turn the foliage brown. Damaged stems can be removed near the ground after the danger of frost has passed. Healthy established plants will often produce new growth from their roots as temperatures warm.

Foxtail Fern may occasionally experience spider mites, particularly in hot, dry, or protected locations. Regular inspection and proper watering help maintain healthy foliage.

Safety Information

Foxtail Fern has a low level of toxicity. Eating its berries or other plant parts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Its sap may also irritate sensitive skin, and mature stems can develop small sharp spines.

Keep the berries away from children and pets, and wear gloves when dividing mature plants or removing old stems.

Plants That Grow Well With Foxtail Fern

Pair Foxtail Fern with plants that contrast with its fine, feathery texture:

• Trinette – adds broad, creamy-white and green variegated foliage
• Croton – provides bold tropical foliage color
• Philodendron Xanadu – creates contrast with large divided leaves
• Hibiscus – adds large tropical flowers in brighter locations
• Dwarf Ixora – provides colorful flower clusters
• Hawaiian Ti – adds burgundy, pink, or red upright foliage
• Bromeliads – contribute tropical color and architectural form
• Agapanthus – produces blue or white seasonal flowers
• Podocarpus ‘Pringles Dwarf’ – provides a dark-green background
• Viburnum Suspensum – creates a taller evergreen screening layer

For a professionally layered landscape, position Foxtail Fern along the front or middle of a bed. Place larger, smooth-leaved tropical plants behind it to emphasize its delicate texture and upright form.

Local Delivery and Professional Installation

All Foxtail Fern plants from Free Landscape Quote’s Online Nursery are selected for health, fullness, and landscape performance.

Local plant delivery and professional landscape installation are available throughout Orlando, Windermere, MetroWest, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, and surrounding Central Florida areas.

Need help determining quantities or spacing? Our landscape team can assist with plant selection, bed layout, delivery, spacing, and complete professional installation.