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Understanding Our Container Sizes
At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.
Quart 6 mo to 1 yr#1 Container 1 to 2 yrs#2 Container 2 to 3 yrs#3 Container 3 to 4 yrs#5 Container 4+ yrs
The same variety, Green Gem Boxwood, in each container size. The measuring stick is marked in inches.
Container Sizes
Quart
Plant age: 6 months to 1 year Best for:Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.
#1 Container
Plant age: 1 to 2 years Best for:Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.
#2 Container
Plant age: 2 to 3 years Best for:Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.
#3 Container
Plant age: 3 to 4 years Best for: Most plants and most situations, including flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.
#5 Container and Larger
Plant age: 4 to 5+ years Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.
Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?
Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.
Root Pouch Containers
Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.
There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:
Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.
Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.
Asparagus Aethiopicus 'Sprengeri', commonly called the Sprenger Asparagus Fern, brings fine, feathery, bright green texture to a room without any of the fuss of a true fern. It is actually a member of the asparagus family, and its needle-like foliage is made of flattened branchlets rather than true fronds.
It grows as a fast, spreading, arching perennial that reaches 1 to 2 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity, making it a natural for a hanging basket or a wide, shallow container where its foliage can cascade. Small white flowers appear periodically, sometimes followed by red berries.
This plant is a different species from the edible garden asparagus, grown here strictly as an ornamental houseplant for its texture. Browse the rest of our Ferns collection for more easy-care picks, and check the Nature Hills Garden Blog for more indoor growing guides. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Order your Asparagus Aethiopicus 'Sprengeri' today and grow with the confidence of Nature Hills' full plant guarantee.
Planting & Care
Light
Grows best in partial to full shade. It does not tolerate direct sunlight well, which causes leaf scorch, so keep it back from bright south or west windows.
Water
Water regularly during spring through fall, then cut back in winter. It is intolerant of soggy soil, so let the top of the mix dry slightly between waterings, and it is fairly drought tolerant once established.
Humidity and Temperature
This plant is comfortable in typical indoor humidity and does not need any special misting or humidifier setup. Keep it away from cold drafts.
Soil and Feeding
Tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soils, from sandy to loamy. Feed with a general houseplant fertilizer during the growing season at the label's recommended rate.
Maintenance
Pinch back stem tips to keep the plant dense and shapely. If it gets leggy, cut it back to the soil line and it will regenerate. Older stems can become woody and lightly spiny, so handle with care.
Pets
Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. The berries contain compounds that can cause stomach upset if eaten, and repeated skin contact with the plant can cause an allergic reaction in some pets and people.
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
Under $50
$9.99
$50 - $99.99
$14.99
$100 - $149.99
$16.99
$150 - $198.99
$24.99
$199+
FREE
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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Type to search specs, description, care, FAQ, and shipping.
Yes. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs and cats, and toxic to horses as well under its Sprengeri Fern listing. The berries can cause gastrointestinal upset, and repeated skin contact can cause an allergic reaction. Keep it away from pets.
Why is the foliage turning yellow or looking scorched?
Direct sun exposure is the most common cause. This plant prefers partial to full shade and will scorch in bright, direct light. Overly wet soil can also cause decline.
How is it propagated?
By seed, stem cuttings, or division of the tuberous root ball. Division is the fastest way to get an established-looking plant.
How should it be maintained?
Pinch back stem tips to keep it dense, or cut the whole plant back to the soil line if it gets leggy. It regenerates readily from the base.
Is this the same asparagus you eat?
No. It shares the genus Asparagus with edible garden asparagus but is a completely different species grown only for its ornamental foliage, not as a food crop.
Extend your plant protection to a full year with Growing & Glowing Guarantee Plus, the 1-year warranty.
Every plant already includes our free 45-day guarantee, and plants delivered after October 15 are covered through May 1. Add Plus once at checkout and it covers every eligible plant in your order, including plants in containers, when they are properly planted and cared for.
What you get:
Store credit for the cost of your plant
Free shipping on your next order, so the replacement ships free
Coverage through one year from delivery
To file a claim: Email a photo of each plant to support@naturehills.com within 7 days of noticing the issue, or reach us through our contact page.
Not covered: Improper planting, weather extremes, pest or wildlife damage, or plants outside their recommended zone. Annuals, bulbs, grass plugs, and hard goods are not eligible.
