blue star fern
Phlebodium aureum
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones8 to 13
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall3 to 6 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Foliage color
- Blue, gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) is a fern for containers, accents, and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. The evergreen fronds have blue, gray, and green tones, and it grows at a moderate pace, so give it room to spread. Deer tend to pass it by. Birds visit it.
Pairs well with Halcyon hosta, Azalea, and Goldenseal.
Native range
North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean, and 4 more places. See all 8
North America, Central America, South America, Caribbean, Europe, French Guiana, Leeward Is., and Windward Is..