About

A hardy, evergreen fern featuring wide, strap-like fronds that are a deep green color, with edges that are unevenly lobed and intricately shaped.

About the genus

Asplenium is a group of evergreen ferns characterized by short, typically upright rhizomes that support a rosette of somewhat leathery fronds. These fronds can vary from simple to pinnate, and may extend to three times pinnate.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Ferns
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Bright mid-day sun can cause damage. May be sensitive to fungicides. Tolerant of dry shade, but water regularly during the first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Propagation
Propagate by division, or propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus