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. Suggested uses include houseplants, patio and container plants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to Alaska, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, California, Canary Is. and Corse.

About

Blechnum spicant, commonly known as hard fern or deer fern, is an evergreen tufted fern belonging to the family Blechnaceae. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade and is adaptable to various aspects and exposures, including both sheltered and exposed locations. It prefers moist but well-drained or poorly-drained clay or loam soils with acid to neutral pH. Suitable for use as houseplants or in patios, conservatories, and sub-tropical settings, it provides winter interest.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Struthiopteris spicant

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

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

Alaska, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, California, Canary Is., Corse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Blechnum spicant

Cultivation

Prefers shaded, moist environments; avoid direct sunlight; maintain consistent moisture; mulch to retain soil moisture

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance; prune in early spring

Propagation

Division, Spores

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Rust

Frequently asked questions