Adiantum aleuticum

RHS Plant Profile

Aleutian maidenhair

Synonyms

Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum
Adiantum pedatum misapplied
Adiantum aleuticum subsp. aleuticum

Ferns

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A deciduous or semi-evergreen, perennial fern to 50cm or more, with black-stalked, green, pedately divided fronds composed of oblong segments

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

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

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or 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): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
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: North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors grow in moderately fertile soil. Under glass grow in a mix of 1 part each of loam, medium grade bark, charcoal and lime chippings; 2 parts sharp sand; 3 parts leaf mould. Provide bright filtered light in medium to high humidity with good ventilation. When in growth apply a half strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Remove damaged fronds in spring. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Cottage and informal garden
Flower borders and beds
Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free