Overview

Blechnum chilense is a fern in the genus Blechnum, part of the Blechnaceae family. Blechnum chilense grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and ground cover. It is native to Chile and Argentina.

About

Blechnum chilense is a fern in the Blechnaceae family that suits sheltered, shady corners where soil stays evenly moist. It prefers rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH and avoids direct sun. Fronds remain present into winter, making it useful for year-round structure in shade. Plant it where a spreading, low-maintenance ground layer is required in woodlands or deep shade beds.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Parablechnum cordatum

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

In the garden

Blechnum chilense is a shade-loving fern from Chile and Argentina, belonging to the Blechnaceae family. Its natural preference is for sheltered sites with steady moisture and a rich, humus-rich substrate; it is found in places that mirror woodland conditions and performs best out of direct sun. Select a position in partial shade or full shade where drainage is reliable but the soil does not dry out. An acidic to neutral soil pH suits it; incorporate plenty of organic matter at planting to improve structure and moisture retention. Shelter from strong winds helps protect the fronds and keeps the plant performing through the colder months, as it retains foliage into winter. Use Blechnum chilense as a ground cover beneath trees, along shady borders or in a woodland garden where its steady presence will fill lower layers of the planting. Group with other moisture-loving shade perennials or ferns to create a layered effect and mask bare soil; it will hold its place as a low, consistent element in damp, shaded parts of the garden.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Blechnum

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

moist, well-drained, rich

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Soil moisture

moist

Exposure

sheltered

Plant details

Blechnum chilense size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Suggested uses

shade garden, woodland garden, ground cover

Native to

Chile, Argentina

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Blechnum chilense

Cultivation

Prefers cool, moist, shaded environments; avoid direct sunlight; keep soil consistently moist

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance

Propagation

spores, division

Frequently asked questions