Overview
Adiantum bellum is a clump forming ferns in the genus Adiantum, part of the Pteridaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. Adiantum bellum 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 bellum is a clump-forming fern in the Pteridaceae that retains foliage as deciduous to semi-evergreen. It prefers full to partial shade and needs a moist but well-drained soil, tolerating chalk, clay, loam or sand and a range of pH. Plant on a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing aspect; it carries an H6 rating (very hardy) for UK conditions. Its growth is most apparent through spring and summer.
About the genus
Adiantum, the maidenhair fern, is a genus of about 250 species of ferns in the subfamily Vittarioideae of the family Pteridaceae, though some researchers place it in its own family, Adiantaceae. The genus name comes from Greek, meaning "unwetted", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet.
Wikipedia contributors, "Adiantum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Adiantum
In the garden
A member of the Pteridaceae, Adiantum bellum forms neat clumps of foliage and behaves as deciduous to semi-evergreen. It suits shady positions, taking full to partial shade, and performs best where soil remains moist yet drains freely. It will tolerate a wide variety of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — and copes with acid, neutral or alkaline pH, so soil choice is flexible provided moisture is consistent and the site is sheltered. Give it a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing spot to reduce exposure and stress during colder or windy periods; the plant carries an H6 hardiness rating (very hardy) in UK terms. It adapts well to containers on courtyards or patios where watering can be controlled, and it also works as low-maintenance underplanting for roses and shrubs or at the edge of borders and flower beds. Fronds are most visible in spring and summer, so position Adiantum bellum where its seasonal foliage will sit in front of taller plants or beside pathways for best effect.
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 bellum 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 bellum
- 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 bellum?
Adiantum bellum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Adiantum bellum need?
Adiantum bellum 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 bellum hardy in the UK?
Adiantum bellum 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 bellum?
Spores, Division.