Adiantum hispidulum

RHS Plant Profile
rough maidenhair fern

Other common names

rosy maidenhair fern

Award of Garden Merit
Ferns

A fern with a slowly creeping rootstock producing clumps of arching foliage to about 40cm. Each frond has five to seven branches with leathery segments tightly packed along black midribs. Fronds open rosy pink, maturing to bronzy dark green, and are normally deciduous, but remain evergreen in warm areas or if grown as a houseplant

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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
Plant Range
Tropics & Subtropics

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil that does not dry out, or become waterlogged, in full or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by spores or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Remove damaged fronds in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors; may be susceptible to scale insects under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free