Pteris umbrosa

RHS Plant Profile

jungle brake

John Fielding

Ferns

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A slightly tender, clump-forming, evergreen fern with erect fronds divided into long, wavy, broadly linear to narrowly lance-shaped, glossy leaflets

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Loam Chalk Sand

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or West–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: 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: E Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil with added leaf mould in partial shade or full shade. Can also be grown in a cool greenhouse or as a houseplant if kept away from central heating. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors or how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Sub-tropical
Patio and container plants
Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Houseplants
Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free