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FernsHerbaceous Perennial

Asplenium platyneuron

ebony spleenwort

A compact, evergreen fern with strongly upright fronds surrounded by shorter arching or recumbent fronds. The leaftets or pinnae resemble tiny wings and are arranged alternately along the stem or rachis

Synonyms
Asplenium ebeneum
Acrostichum platyneuron

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Red Green
Summer Brown Red Green
Autumn Brown Red Green
Winter Brown Red Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Aspleniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in a free-draining but moisture retentive soil in partial shade. This fern is a good choice for estabilshing in gaps in walls or on slightly shady rockeries. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wall side borders
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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