About
This evergreen fern with upright, mid-green leaves, 15-50cm long, with a wrinkled surface, silvery, hair-like scales on both sides and brown stems.
About the genus
Cheilanthes are typically evergreen ferns, producing dense clumps of small fronds on shiny, often black, stalks
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Alpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native toN America
Care notes
CultivationWill 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSow spores at 16°C as soon as ripe. Division in spring is possible, but rhizomes resent disturbance
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceFungal root rot may be a problem under glass