Thelypteris kunthii

RHS Plant Profile
Kunth's maiden fern

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Kunth's maiden fern James Lawrence
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A deciduous fern with erect to arching, pale to mid-green fronds that become bronze-tinted in autumn

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or East–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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Thelypteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
A small genus of around one or two species of deciduous, rhizomatous 'maiden ferns' with bright green, divided and sometimes curled or twisted fronds
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade; will grow in sun if soil is kept permanently moist. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or from spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free