Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Black | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Black | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Pteridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cheilanthes are typically evergreen ferns, producing dense clumps of small fronds on shiny, often black, stalks
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S US, Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Will not tolerate winter wet. Grow in sharply-drained, gritty, humus-rich soil in full sun, with protection from winter rain. Otherwise grow under glass in full light, with low humidity and good ventilation, in a mix of equal parts loam-based potting compost and coarse grit plus 10 percent added charcoal, and water sparingly. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Sow spores at 16°C as soon as ripe. Division in spring is possible, but rhizomes resent disturbance
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Fungal root rot may be a problem under glass
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.