Blechnum fluviatile

RHS Plant Profile

ray water fern

Other common names

kiwakiwa

Synonyms

Blechnum fluviatile 'Kiwakiwa'

Ferns Herbaceous Perennial

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A compact, evergreen fern with central upright fertile fronds surrounded by recumbent sterile fronds. The leaflets are small and ovate and the stems are covered in dark brown bristles

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Clay

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Neutral or Acid

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: West–facing or East–facing or North–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): H4

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Blechnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Blechnum are mostly evergreen ferns with erect or creeping rhizomes and simply pinnate, leathery fronds, the fertile ones usually erect, the sterile often spreading
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Malesia to New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but free draining soil in partial shade. For more information see how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free