Overview
Cheilanthes lanosa is a bushy ferns in the genus Cheilanthes, part of the Pteridaceae 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 2-5 years. Cheilanthes lanosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, rock garden and gravel garden. It is native to N America.
About
Cheilanthes lanosa is an evergreen fern characterized by its vertical, medium green fronds that range from 15 to 50 cm in length. The leaves exhibit a textured, wrinkled appearance and are adorned with silvery, hair-like scales on both surfaces. The stems are brown, adding contrast to the foliage.
About the genus
Cheilanthes are generally evergreen ferns that form tight clusters of small fronds on glossy, frequently dark stalks.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cheilanthes
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Cheilanthes lanosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns, Alpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
- Native to
- N America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cheilanthes lanosa
- Cultivation
- Will not tolerate winter wet. Grow in sharply-drained, gritty, humus-rich soil in full sun, with protection from winter rain. Otherwise grow under glass in full light, with low humidity and good ventilation, in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and coarse grit plus 10 percent added charcoal, and water sparingly. See how to grow ferns for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Sow spores at 16°C as soon as ripe. Division in spring is possible, but rhizomes resent disturbance
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Fungal root rot may be a problem under glass
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cheilanthes lanosa?
Will not tolerate winter wet. Grow in sharply-drained, gritty, humus-rich soil in full sun, with protection from winter rain. Otherwise grow under glass in full light, with low humidity and good ventilation, in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and coarse grit plus 10 percent added charcoal, and water sparingly. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Cheilanthes lanosa?
Cheilanthes lanosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cheilanthes lanosa need?
Cheilanthes lanosa grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Cheilanthes lanosa?
No pruning required.
How big does Cheilanthes lanosa grow?
Cheilanthes lanosa reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cheilanthes lanosa hardy in the UK?
Cheilanthes lanosa has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Cheilanthes lanosa?
Sow spores at 16°C as soon as ripe. Division in spring is possible, but rhizomes resent disturbance.