Overview

Cheilanthes maderensis is a clump forming ferns in the genus Cheilanthes, part of the Pteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cheilanthes maderensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include rock garden, patio and container plants, gravel garden and banks and slopes.

About

Cheilanthes maderensis, known as the hay-scented lip fern, is an evergreen clump-forming fern in the Pteridaceae family. Like others in the Cheilanthes genus, it forms tight clusters of small fronds on glossy, often dark stalks. This fern thrives in well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH, preferring sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for rock gardens, gravel gardens, patios, and banks, and is best planted in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.

About the genus

Cheilanthes, commonly known as lip ferns, is a genus of about 180 species of rock-dwelling ferns with a cosmopolitan distribution in warm, dry, rocky regions, often growing in small crevices high up on cliffs. Most are small, sturdy and evergreen. The leaves, often densely covered in trichomes, spring directly from the rootstocks.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cheilanthes", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cheilanthes

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cheilanthes

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Cheilanthes maderensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden, Banks and slopes

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cheilanthes maderensis

Propagation

Division, Spores

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions