Pteris cretica

RHS Plant Profile
Cretan brake

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Cretan brake RHS 2002
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Ferns

A tufted evergreen fern to 60cm in height, with long-stalked erect fronds pinnately divided into 3-5 pairs of linear, dark green leaflets which are narrower on the fertile fronds

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Pteris can be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous ferns, with short or long rhizomes and fronds that may be pinnate to 4-pinnate
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Old World Trop. & Sub-Trop.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil with plenty of added leaf-mould or in a container under glass with added limestone chips in high humidity. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or division of rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors but under glass may be susceptible to scale insects and eelworms

Diseases

Sooty mould may be a problem