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Adiantum aleuticum
  • RHS AGM

Aleutian maidenhair

A deciduous or semi-evergreen, perennial fern to 50cm or more, with black-stalked, green, pedately divided fronds composed of oblong segments

Synonyms
Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum
Adiantum pedatum misapplied
see moreAdiantum aleuticum subsp. aleuticum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Black Green
Summer Black Green
Autumn Black
Winter Black
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Pteridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Adiantum can be deciduous or evergreen ferns with shiny black stalks bearing simple or more usually pinnately divided fronds, the segments fan-shaped, oblong or rounded, carrying spores under reflexed marginal flaps

Name status

Correct

Plant range
North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors grow in moderately fertile soil. Under glass grow in a mix of 1 part each of loam, medium grade bark, charcoal and lime chippings; 2 parts sharp sand; 3 parts leaf mould. Provide bright filtered light in medium to high humidity with good ventilation. When in growth apply a half strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Remove damaged fronds in spring. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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