Overview
Adiantum formosum is a clump forming ferns in the genus Adiantum, part of the Pteridaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. Adiantum formosum 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 formosum, known as the giant maidenhair or black stem maidenhair is a fern found in Australia and New Zealand. It was one of the many species authored by Scottish botanist Robert Brown, appearing in his 1810 work Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen. Its species name is the Latin adjective formosus "handsome" or "beautiful". Adiantum formosum is an attractive plant, with fronds up to 120 cm (48 in) high. In the wild it grows across New South Wales, New Zealand North, Queensland and Victoria. 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 formosum
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 formosum 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 formosum
- 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 formosum?
Adiantum formosum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Adiantum formosum need?
Adiantum formosum 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 formosum hardy in the UK?
Adiantum formosum 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 formosum?
Spores, Division.
More in the Adiantum genus
- Adiantum aethiopicumcommon maidenhair fern
- Adiantum bellum
- Adiantum diaphanumfilmy maidenhair
- Adiantum reniforme
- Adiantum tenerum 'Farleyense'brittle maidenhair fern 'Farleyense'
- Adiantum tenerum 'Green Glory'
- Adiantum capillus-veneris var. fissum
- Adiantum platyphyllum