Phlebodium pseudoaureum
Virginia blue fern
A species of fern with distinctive narrow, lance-shaped, deeply lobed blue to greyish-green fronds which can reach lengths of up to 150cm long. Grows both epiphytically and terrestrially. A great choice for woodland areas or for hanging baskets
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Blue Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Phlebodium are evergreen ferns with creeping rhizomes clothed in scales, bearing pinnate fronds at intervals
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Indoors, grow in free-draining loamy soil in bright, filtered light. Water moderately and feed regularly during the growing season. Mist regularly if kept in areas with a high humidity. Outside, grow in a frost-free location in fertile, well-drained soil in full or part shade. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.