About
This subtle, rosette-forming, deciduous fern about 30cm tall, quick to establish, with upright rhizomes and tufts of pale green fronds to 75cm long with lance-shaped segments. Bulbils develop beneath often red-tinted midribs.
About the genus
A diverse genus of rhizomatous, perennial ferns known as bladderferns or fragile ferns. Their appearance can vary greatly across species making it hard to identify them, but they generally have green, pinnate foliage and rounded, inflated spores (sori)
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toE Canada to USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade with shelter from cold, drying winds. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningTidy spent leaves in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or plant bulbils in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free