Asplenium fontanum

RHS Plant Profile
smooth rock spleenwort

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Other common names

rock spleenwort

Synonyms

Asplenium halleri

Ferns Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, clump-forming evergreen fern with small lance shaped blades and divided lacy foliage

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Chalk

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 Sand Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline

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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aspleniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Asplenium are evergreen ferns with short, usually erect rhizomes bearing a rosette of slightly leathery fronds which may be simple, pinnate to 3-pinnate
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
CS Europe C Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

A fern which prefers alpine or rockery conditions with loose free draining soils in partial shade or full sun with slightly more moisture. Dislikes wet soils especially over winter. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free