About
A compact, evergreen fern to 30cm tall, with slender fronds composed of opposite pairs of broadly sickle-shaped leaflets (pinnae). Grow at the front of a well-drained, shady border or on a rock garden, or in a container in a cool greenhouse.
About the genus
Cyrtomium can be tufted evergreen or deciduous ferns with simply pinnate leaves composed of sickle-shaped pinnae; spore-heaps are scattered over the lower surface of the frond
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. In cold regions protect the crown with straw in winter. Under glass, grow in 1 part each loam, medium grade bark and charcoal, 2 parts sharp sand, and 3 parts coarse leaf mould, in bright, indirect light
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores at 16°C in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free