Overview
Asplenium africanum is a tufted ferns in the genus Asplenium, part of the Aspleniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Asplenium africanum 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, city and courtyard gardens, flower borders and beds, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Asplenium africanum is a tufted evergreen fern cultivar within the Asplenium genus, known for its short, upright rhizomes supporting a rosette of leathery fronds. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil under full or partial shade, making it suitable for north, west, or east-facing aspects. This fern prefers alkaline to neutral soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and is hardy to UK zone H6. It is well-suited for cottage and informal gardens, city and courtyard gardens, flower borders, ground cover, and underplanting beneath roses and shrubs, with interest in spring and summer.
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 africanum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asplenium africanum
- Propagation
- Division, 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 africanum?
Asplenium africanum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Asplenium africanum need?
Asplenium africanum 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 africanum hardy in the UK?
Asplenium africanum 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 africanum?
Division, Sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C.