About
Phegopteris connectilis, the beech fern, is a deciduous fern forming spreading colonies via creeping rhizomes. Broadly triangular, pale to fresh-green fronds 20�50 cm tall are intricately divided, with the lowest pair of pinnae distinctively angled downward. A graceful native woodland fern for a shaded, moist border or woodland garden.
About the genus
Phegopteris are graceful, deciduous ferns with creeping rhizomes and deeply pinnatifid or triangular, often pale-green fronds. Grown in shaded, moist, woodland borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in most moist soil in shade or partial shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove dead or damaged fronds as required
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free