About
Blechnum spicant, the hard fern, is a neat, tufted, evergreen fern to around 50 cm with spreading, simply pinnate, deep-green, sterile fronds and erect, narrower fertile fronds with linear pinnae. A reliable native British fern for moist, shaded or partly shaded woodland gardens and borders.
About the genus
Blechnum are mostly evergreen ferns with erect or creeping rhizomes and simply pinnate, leathery fronds, the fertile ones usually erect and the sterile often spreading. They are grown for their elegant, year-round foliage in moist, shaded garden positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesShaded borders, woodland gardens, underplanting.
Native toTemp. N Hemis.
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores (may not come true) in mid to late summer or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors