Overview
Blechnum spicant is a tufted ferns in the genus Blechnum, part of the Blechnaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Blechnum spicant grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include houseplants, patio and container plants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to Temp. N Hemis..
About
Blechnum spicant is a compact, evergreen fern that reaches a height of up to 50 cm. It features narrow, dark green, simply pinnate sterile fronds that spread outwards, alongside upright fertile fronds with 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
Best soil and position for Blechnum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Blechnum spicant size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse
- Native to
- Temp. N Hemis.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Blechnum spicant
- 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Blechnum spicant?
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Blechnum spicant?
Blechnum spicant prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Blechnum spicant need?
Blechnum spicant grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Blechnum spicant?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
How big does Blechnum spicant grow?
Blechnum spicant reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Blechnum spicant hardy in the UK?
Blechnum spicant has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Blechnum spicant?
Propagate by sowing spores (may not come true) in mid to late summer or by division in spring.