Overview
Asplenium trichomanes is a tufted, clump forming ferns in the genus Asplenium, part of the Aspleniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Asplenium trichomanes grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants. It is native to N Termperate and Tropical Mountains.
About
Asplenium trichomanes is a small, evergreen fern that reaches a height of approximately 15 cm. It features creeping rhizomes and develops a rosette of dark green, pinnate fronds with blackish stems. The leaf segments are small and either rounded or oblong. This fern is particularly suitable for cultivation in dry walls.
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
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
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Asplenium trichomanes size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- N Termperate, Tropical Mountains
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asplenium trichomanes
- Cultivation
- Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, with added grit, in partial shade. 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
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asplenium trichomanes?
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, with added grit, in partial shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Asplenium trichomanes?
Asplenium trichomanes prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asplenium trichomanes need?
Asplenium trichomanes 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.
How do I prune Asplenium trichomanes?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
How big does Asplenium trichomanes grow?
Asplenium trichomanes reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Asplenium trichomanes hardy in the UK?
Asplenium trichomanes has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Asplenium trichomanes?
Propagate by division, or propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C.