About

Cheilanthes fendleri is a perennial fern characterized by its mid-green fronds, which feature undersides adorned with white to rusty brown scales. As the fronds emerge, they frequently exhibit a curled or twisted appearance and are often coated in fine hairs that give them a silvery-grey hue.

About the genus

Cheilanthes are generally evergreen ferns that form tight clusters of small fronds on glossy, frequently dark stalks.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Neutral, Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden
Native to
C & S USA, N Mex.

Care notes

Cultivation
A dryland species which prefers good drainage, especially over winter, and a sunny or lightly shaded position. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by division or spores
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free