Overview

Cryptogramma crispa is a fern in the genus Cryptogramma, part of the Pteridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 metres tall. Cryptogramma crispa grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and scree gardens. It is native to Belgium and Walloon Region.

About

Cryptogramma crispa is a small alpine fern reaching about 0.3 metres, notable for thriving on acidic, sandy or rocky, well-drained soils. It tolerates exposed, alpine conditions and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Fronds are present through spring and summer. Plant where drainage is secure and periods of dryness alternate with moist conditions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cryptogramma crispa

About the genus

Cryptogramma is a genus of ferns known commonly as parsley ferns or rockbrakes. They are one of the three genera in the subfamily Cryptogrammoideae of the family Pteridaceae. Cryptogramma ferns can be found in temperate regions on several continents worldwide.

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

In the garden

Cryptogramma crispa is a fern in the Pteridaceae, native to the Walloon Region of Belgium and adapted to exposed, alpine situations. It only reaches around 0.3 metres, so it suits tight pockets of mineral soil in open, rocky terrain rather than deep beds. Give it full sun or partial shade in a position with excellent drainage; sandy or rocky, well-drained substrates are ideal. The plant favours acidic conditions and will tolerate a range of soil moisture from dry to moist, but it is not suited to waterlogged ground. In UK terms its H7 rating means it is fully hardy and can remain outdoors through winter in appropriate, free-draining sites. Use Cryptogramma crispa in rock gardens, alpine gardens or scree beds where shallow, acidic, free-draining fragments of soil are available. It is most noticeable in spring and into summer when its fronds are in active growth; situate it where those seasonal fronds can be appreciated against stone or gravel backdrops and where drainage prevents prolonged wet soil.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cryptogramma

Sunlight

partial shade, full sun

Soil type

sandy, rocky, well-drained

Soil pH

acidic

Soil moisture

dry to moist

Exposure

exposed, alpine conditions

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Cryptogramma crispa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.3 metres

Suggested uses

rock gardens, alpine gardens, scree gardens

Native to

Belgium, Walloon Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cryptogramma crispa

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained acidic soils; tolerates poor soils; avoid waterlogging

Propagation

spores

Frequently asked questions