Overview
Aspidium species is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Tectaria, part of the Tectariaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Aspidium species grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, rock garden, coastal, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.
About
Aspidium species is a bushy evergreen fern belonging to the Tectariaceae family. It thrives in full or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with north, east, or west-facing aspects. This hardy plant (H6) adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained and can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, city courtyards, rock gardens, and coastal areas, it is also ideal for underplanting roses and shrubs or adding interest to flower borders and beds. Propagation is achieved through spores, division of rhizomes, or detaching fronds bearing bulbils.
About the genus
Tectaria is a genus of fern in the family Tectariaceae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. Halberd fern is a common name for species in this genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tectaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tectaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tectaria
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Aspidium species size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Coastal, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aspidium species
- Propagation
- Spores, Division of rhizomes, Detaching fronds bearing bulbils
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis), Susceptible to Taphrina wettsteiniana
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aspidium species?
Aspidium species prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aspidium species need?
Aspidium species 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 Aspidium species hardy in the UK?
Aspidium species 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 Aspidium species?
Spores, Division of rhizomes, Detaching fronds bearing bulbils.