Pellaea rotundifolia
button fern
A compact, evergreen fern forming a nearly flat rosette of pinnate fronds to 25cm long, composed of rounded, deep green leaflets borne on dark brown, pink-scaled stems. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Brown | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Pteridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Pellaea can be evergreen or deciduous, tufted ferns with pinnate to tripinnate fronds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Requires a moderately fertile, ericaceous, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with protection from hot midday sun, or partial shade. In frost prone areas protect the crown with a dry winter mulch. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by spores sown at 13-18°C when ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove old leaves as they die down for the winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.