Blechnum spicant
hard fern
A neat, tufted evergreen fern to 50cm, with spreading, narrow, dark green, simply pinnate sterile fronds and erect fertile fronds with linear pinnae
Synonyms
Blechnum borealeBlechnum heterophyllum
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Blechnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
- Temp. N Hemis.
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing spores (may not come true) in mid to late summer or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free outdoors
Diseases
Generally disease-free outdoors
Get involved
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