About
This evergreen fern to 45cm tall, with spreading, broad fronds composed of opposite pairs of ovate leaflets (pinnae); tiny dark brown sori (spore-producing clusters) are scattered across the undersides. Plant in a well-drained, shady border, rock garden, or 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
Native toE. Asia
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. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores at 16°C in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free