Phlebodium pseudoaureum

RHS Plant Profile

Virginia blue fern

Ferns

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A species of fern with distinctive narrow, lance-shaped, deeply lobed blue to greyish-green fronds which can reach lengths of up to 150cm long. Grows both epiphytically and terrestrially. A great choice for woodland areas or for hanging baskets

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

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: 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): H3

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Polypodiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Phlebodium are evergreen ferns with creeping rhizomes clothed in scales, bearing pinnate fronds at intervals
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Indoors, grow in free-draining loamy soil in bright, filtered light. Water moderately and feed regularly during the growing season. Mist regularly if kept in areas with a high humidity. Outside, grow in a frost-free location in fertile, well-drained soil in full or part shade. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free