Lophosoria quadripinnata

RHS Plant Profile
diamondleaf fern

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diamondleaf fern RHS

Synonyms

Lophosoria pruinata
Alsophila pruinata
Lophosoria glauca

Ferns
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An evergreen fern with triangular fronds held on upright stems and reaching up to 3m tall, eventually forming large clumps of foliage. Each frond is two or three times divided into leaflets that are coloured mid- to dark green with silvery undersides

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
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)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Dicksoniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Genus
A genus of tree ferns, native to Tropical America, with silvery-green triangular fronds on upright stems. They may develop small trunks as they become larger
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Trop. & Subtrop. Americas

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial or full shade in a sheltered position. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free