Comptonia peregrina
sweet fern
A small, suckering, deciduous shrub to around 1.5m tall with slender branches that are downy when young. Aromatic, olive-green leaves up to 10cm long are fern-like in appearance and divided into rounded leaflets. In spring, small, brown, male catkins up to 2.5cm long are borne before or as the leaves appear
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Myricaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E US
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in acidic or neutral, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Be aware of its ability to spread rapidly and form large colonies once established and site accordingly
Propagation
Propagate by root cuttings, layering or from suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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