Overview
Thelypteris rupestris is a clump forming ferns in the genus Thelypteris, part of the Thelypteridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Thelypteris rupestris grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Thelypteris rupestris is a cultivar of Thelypteris, a genus of deciduous, rhizomatous ferns known as maiden ferns. This clump-forming fern features vibrant green, divided fronds that may curl or twist, adding architectural interest to the garden. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil under full or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with a range of soil types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, and flower borders, with its season of interest spanning spring and summer.
About the genus
Thelypteris is a genus of ferns in the subfamily Thelypteridoideae, family Thelypteridaceae, order Polypodiales. Two radically different circumscriptions of the genus are in use as of January 2020. In the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016, the genus is a very small one with about two species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thelypteris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thelypteris
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thelypteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Thelypteris rupestris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thelypteris rupestris
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thelypteris rupestris?
Thelypteris rupestris prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thelypteris rupestris need?
Thelypteris rupestris grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Thelypteris rupestris hardy in the UK?
Thelypteris rupestris has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Thelypteris rupestris?
Division, Spores.
