Overview
Davallia bullata is a bushy, matforming fern in the genus Davallia, part of the Davalliaceae family, with evergreen, deciduous foliage. Davallia bullata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical and cut flowers.
About
Davallia bullata, commonly known as squirrel's foot fern or ball fern, is a bushy, matforming fern within the genus Davallia. This genus includes both evergreen and deciduous ferns with finely divided fronds emerging from a creeping, scaly rhizome. Davallia bullata thrives in partial shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained loam soil, favouring sheltered east, north, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to H1c in the UK and is suitable for patios, containers, and sub-tropical settings. Propagation is by dividing rhizomes in spring, and the plant is of interest during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Davallia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Davallia bullata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Habit
- Bushy, Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Davallia bullata
- Propagation
- Divide rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Davallia bullata?
Davallia bullata prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Davallia bullata need?
Davallia bullata grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Davallia bullata hardy in the UK?
Davallia bullata has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Davallia bullata?
Divide rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots.
More in the Davallia genus
- Davallia pentaphylla
- Davallia solida var. pyxidata
- Davallia tasmaniiTasman's davallia
- Davallia trichomanoides var. lorrainei