Pteris nipponica

RHS Plant Profile
white-striped Cretan brake

Synonyms

Pteris albolineata
Pteris cretica var. albolineata

Award of Garden Merit
Ferns

An evergreen fern with erect or arching fronds to 45cm in length, pinnately divided into 3-5 pairs of linear pinnae, each with a broad central creamy-white stripe

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, 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

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Pteris can be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous ferns, with short or long rhizomes and fronds that may be pinnate to 4-pinnate
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China, Taiwan, Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in any chalk-free, moist but well-drained soil with plenty of added leaf-mould or in a container under glass with added limestone chips in high humidity. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors or how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or division of rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors but under glass may be susceptible to scale insects and eelworms

Diseases

Sooty mould may be a problem