Pellaea falcata

RHS Plant Profile
sickle fern

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Other common names

Australian cliffbrake

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Ferns
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An evergreen, tufted fern with erect, dark green, glossy fronds up to 75cm long. Fronds are divided into short, oblong to curved leaflets with margins that are sometimes wavy

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Clay

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted, Clump forming
Genus
Pellaea can be evergreen or deciduous, tufted ferns with pinnate to tripinnate fronds
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
India to Australasia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free