About
A tufted evergreen fern to 60cm in height, with long-stalked erect fronds pinnately divided into 3-5 pairs of linear, dark green leaflets which are narrower on the fertile fronds.
About the genus
Pteris can be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous ferns, with short or long rhizomes and fronds that may be pinnate to 4-pinnate
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toOld World Trop. & Sub-Trop.
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil with plenty of added leaf-mould or in a container under glass with added limestone chips in high humidity. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or division of rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors but under glass may be susceptible to scale insects and eelworms
Disease resistanceSooty mould may be a problem