About
A dwarf fern, to 20cm tall, with black stems and fan-shaped, pale bluish-green fronds composed of leaf segments close together on the midrib. New fronds may be tinged pink when young.
About the genus
Adiantum can be deciduous or evergreen ferns with shiny black stalks bearing simple or more usually pinnately divided fronds, the segments fan-shaped, oblong or rounded, carrying spores under reflexed marginal flaps
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in dappled shade in moist but well-drained soil, rich in organic matter with good drainage and shelter from cold winds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by spores as soon as ripe at minimum 15°C; propagate by division of rhizomes in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free though scale insects may be a problem under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free