Davallia canariensis

RHS Plant Profile
deer's foot fern

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deer's foot fern RHS

Other common names

Canary Island hare's foot fern, hare's foot fern

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A spreading, deciduous fern with thick, scaly rhizomes and broad, finely-divided fronds 20cm to 50cm long

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–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)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Davalliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Davallia can be evergreen or deciduous ferns with finely divided ovate or triangular fronds arising singly from a creeping, conspicuously scaly rhizome
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
W Mediterranean to Atlantic Islands

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass, or as a houseplant, in equal parts coarse leaf mould or peat substitute, moss, bark, sharp sand, charcoal and pine needles. Requires bright, indirect light and high humidity. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice

Propagation

Divide rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free