Overview
Adiantum aethiopicum is a clump forming ferns in the genus Adiantum, part of the Pteridaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. Adiantum aethiopicum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Adiantum aethiopicum, also known as the common maidenhair fern, is a small fern of widespread distribution, occurring in Africa, Australia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand. Adiantum aethiopicum was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus, in this case in his Systema naturae in 1759. The specific epithet aethiopicum in this sense was the Latin term for Africa south of the then known world, that is to say, more or less Africa south of Egypt. In South Africa the species occurs widely, though not generally profusely, mainly on moist sandstone cliffs in full shade. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Adiantum aethiopicum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Adiantum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Adiantum aethiopicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Adiantum aethiopicum
- Propagation
- Spores, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors; may be susceptible to scale insects under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Adiantum aethiopicum?
Adiantum aethiopicum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Adiantum aethiopicum need?
Adiantum aethiopicum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Adiantum aethiopicum hardy in the UK?
Adiantum aethiopicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Adiantum aethiopicum?
Spores, Division.
More in the Adiantum genus
- Adiantum bellum
- Adiantum diaphanumfilmy maidenhair
- Adiantum formosumgiant maidenhair fern
- Adiantum reniforme
- Adiantum tenerum 'Farleyense'brittle maidenhair fern 'Farleyense'
- Adiantum tenerum 'Green Glory'
- Adiantum capillus-veneris var. fissum
- Adiantum platyphyllum