About

Blechnum chilense is a hardy, evergreen fern that features sturdy, rhizomatous growth. Its fronds are lanceolate and simply pinnate, reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters. The fertile fronds stand more upright and exhibit narrow, linear pinnae.

About the genus

Blechnum consists primarily of evergreen ferns characterized by upright or spreading rhizomes. The fronds are typically simple and pinnate, with fertile fronds standing upright while the sterile ones tend to spread out.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Ferns
Habit
Suckering
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
Chile, Argentina

Care notes

Cultivation
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Propagation
Propagate by sowing spores (may not come true) in mid to late summer or by division in spring
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free outdoors