About
Onoclea sensibilis, the sensitive fern, is a deciduous, rhizomatous fern forming extensive colonies of broad, light-green, pinnate fronds to 60 cm in length, the pinnae deeply lobed. Shorter, narrow, fertile fronds with much-reduced, blackish lobes are produced in late summer and persist through winter. An ornamental and vigorous fern for a moist, shaded or partly shaded border or pond margin.
About the genus
Onoclea are deciduous ferns with creeping rhizomes and pinnately divided sterile fronds, with spores borne on more erect, contracted, blackish fertile fronds that persist through winter.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Ferns
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toE North America, Asia
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. Good for pondside plantings but has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked in smaller gardens. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors