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 cultivar within the Adiantum genus, known for its deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage and lustrous black stems. It thrives in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soils under full or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with south, east, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for a variety of garden settings including city courtyards, cottage gardens, and patios, it is hardy to UK zone H6. This fern is particularly valued for spring and summer interest and can be propagated by spores or division.
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.
More in the Adiantum genus
- Adiantum aethiopicumcommon maidenhair fern
- 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