Adiantum capillus-veneris

RHS Plant Profile

maidenhair fern

Other common names

black maidenhair, capillaire, dudder grass, southern maidenhair, Venus maidenhair, Venus's hair

Synonyms

Adiantum paradiseae

Ferns

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A low-growing spreading fern with gently arching, twice divided elegant fronds supported on wiry black stems. Semi-evergreen in warm sheltered gardens or if grown as a houseplant

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Chalk, Sand

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

Clay Loam Chalk Sand

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

Position

Full shade 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): H3

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Semi evergreen, Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Adiantum can be deciduous or evergreen ferns with shiny black stalks bearing simple or more usually pinnately divided fronds, the segments fan-shaped, oblong or rounded, carrying spores under reflexed marginal flaps
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in a moist but free draining soil in partial shade. Makes an effective shady border edging in mild areas. Can also be grown as a houseplant. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Ground cover
Garden edging
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Can trim back any faded growth in winter if required or wait for new growth to start emerging in spring.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free