Overview
Blechnum procerum is a columnar upright ferns in the genus Blechnum, part of the Blechnaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5 metres tall. Blechnum procerum 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
Parablechnum procerum, synonym Blechnum procerum, commonly known as mountain kiokio or small kiokio, is a species of fern found in New Zealand. It is found from lowland to alpine areas among forest, scrub and tussock. P. procerum usually grows to a height of between 30 and 50 cm. In the wild it grows across Antipodean Is., Chatham Is., New Zealand North, New Zealand South and Samoa. Grow it in partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs subtropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1b). It works well for houseplants, patio and container plants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates acid soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing or east-facing aspects. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Parablechnum procerum
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 procerum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5 metres
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Blechnum procerum
- Propagation
- Spores in summer, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Blechnum procerum?
Blechnum procerum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Blechnum procerum need?
Blechnum procerum grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Blechnum procerum grow?
Blechnum procerum reaches a height of 0.5 metres.
Is Blechnum procerum hardy in the UK?
Blechnum procerum has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Blechnum procerum?
Spores in summer, division.