Overview

Blechnum ambiguum is a columnar upright ferns in the genus Blechnum, part of the Blechnaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Blechnum ambiguum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants, patio and container plants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Blechnum ambiguum is a cultivar of the Blechnum genus, which comprises primarily evergreen ferns with upright or spreading rhizomes. This fern features a columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage, making it suitable for partial shade conditions, particularly in north-facing or east-facing, sheltered locations. It thrives in moist but well-drained, acid loam soil rich in humus. Hardy to UK zone H1b, it is often grown as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is achieved via spores in summer or by division.

About the genus

Blechnum, known as hard fern, is a genus of ferns in the family Blechnaceae, subfamily Blechnoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. Two very different circumscriptions of the genus are used by different authors. In the PPG I system, based on Gasper et al.

Wikipedia contributors, "Blechnum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Blechnum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Blechnum

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing or East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1b

Plant details

Blechnum ambiguum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Blechnum ambiguum

Propagation

Spores in summer, division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions