Overview
Asplenium aethiopicum is a tufted ferns in the genus Asplenium, part of the Aspleniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Asplenium aethiopicum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and city and courtyard gardens.
About
Asplenium aethiopicum is a lithophytic or sometimes epiphytic species of fern found in Southern and tropical Africa, tropical America, Asia and Australia. It is listed as critically endangered in Victoria, Australia. It is considered exotic in New Zealand. It is native to Oceania, Andaman Is., Angola, Assam, Burundi and other regions. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and city and courtyard gardens. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asplenium aethiopicum
About the genus
Asplenium is a genus of about 700 species of ferns, often treated as the only genus in the family Aspleniaceae, though other authors consider Hymenasplenium separate, based on molecular phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, a different chromosome count, and structural differences in the rhizomes. The type species for the genus is Asplenium marinum.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asplenium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asplenium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asplenium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Asplenium aethiopicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asplenium aethiopicum
- Propagation
- Propagate by division, or propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust in mild, damp winters
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asplenium aethiopicum?
Asplenium aethiopicum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Asplenium aethiopicum need?
Asplenium aethiopicum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Asplenium aethiopicum hardy in the UK?
Asplenium aethiopicum 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 Asplenium aethiopicum?
Propagate by division, or propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C.