A Fern-Like Plant That Can Handle High Temperatures And Full Sun? Here's What To Know

Ferns are a hallmark of forest floors and shady front porches. But if you have a hot, sunny spot in your garden where a fern would look perfect, don't give up. Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri', which goes by the common name foxtail fern, is a delicate, lush fern look-alike that thrives in warm temperatures and bright sun — conditions that will kill off most traditional ferns. If you know how to successfully grow an asparagus fern, which is a related species, you should have no trouble taking care of the gorgeous foxtail fern.

Despite their appearance, foxtail ferns aren't true ferns. They're members of the asparagus family. Their bright green feathery foliage works well in border beds or as house plants. They're also a stunning ground cover if you're looking for grass alternatives to grow a bright, beautiful, colorful yard, thanks to their outstanding foliage. Small, white flowers bloom in the summer and turn into ornamental, red berries. Though attractive, these berries are toxic, so be careful if you have small children or pets. They reach up to three feet in height and up to four feet in width, so make sure you give them enough room to grow.

Foxtail ferns are easy to care for and have a hardy, somewhat drought-tolerant root system. You can plant foxtail ferns outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. Ideally, foxtail ferns prefer maximum high temperatures of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, at the other end of the scale. If your winters are colder, you can move them indoors to overwinter as houseplants. Foxtail ferns grow happily in full sun, since they're native to South Africa, but can also handle partial shade. However, if you plant them in partial shade, they'll still thrive but will not be as compact as plants grown in full sun. 

For optimal conditions, amend the soil with organic matter before planting. Water your plants regularly throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The foxtail fern doesn't need to go dormant in winter, but you can cut back on how frequently you water it in cold weather. In the spring, cut the plant back and fertilize it to encourage new growth. Its roots are strong and have been known to break pots, so if you're growing it as a potted specimen to bring indoors over winter and back out again as the weather warms up, transplant it to larger containers as it grows. You can also divide each plant when you're repotting, because it's easy to propagate by separating it into smaller pieces. These ferns also make the perfect houseplant for beginners, so you might want to give a few spares to your friends and family.