Evergreen Fern, Perennial
Outstanding Qualities
Blechnum spicant is a charming native fern that is one of the best textural plants for the woodland garden. Fertile and sterile fronds (those that
produce spores and those that do not) are different in shape, which creates a distinctive foliage texture and tonal contrast on the same plant. The
sterile fronds form a tidy arching mound of clean looking delicately cut foliage. The fertile fronds rise straight up above this mound giving a thin
wispy, almost skeletal appearance. Both fronds will remain good looking from spring to late winter.
Culture Notes
Deer fern is an adaptable fern growing well in light to deep shade. It will grow well in rich moist soils or well drained locations with occasional
summer watering and will also tolerate sandy and clay soils. Old fronds should be cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure:
Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Water Needs:
Drought-tolerant, Average, Low, Regular / Even, Winter Wet / Summer Dry
Size: 12 - 24 tall x 18 - 24 wide
Shape / Form:
Clumping
Foliage Texture:
Bold
Foliage Quality:
Bold
Features: Dwarf / Compact Plant, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Native Plant, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest
Foliage Color:
Green
Landscape Uses:
Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Small Gardens
Special Situations:
Courtyard / Urban Garden, Deep Shade, Deer Resistant, Dry Shade
Wildlife:
Deer Resistant
Season of Interest:
Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest
Position / Role:
front of border
Plant Behavior:
Clumping, Well Behaved / Companionable
Collections:
eGardenGo Favorite, Great Plant Pick, Plants That Earn Their Keep
Maintenance Level:
low
Focus:
Curb Appeal,
Mixed Border,
Pleasing Seasonal Flow,
Privacy and Screening
Exposure:
Part Sun,
Filtered Sun,
Part Shade
Zone:
8,
9