hard fern
Blechnum spicant
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size9 to 18 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Hard fern (Blechnum spicant) is a fern for shade gardens, rock gardens, borders, and containers. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The evergreen fronds form a glossy rosette, and slim spore-bearing fronds rise from the center later in the season. It grows slowly, so give it time to fill in. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by.
Pairs well with Patriot hosta, Japanese forest grass, and Wintergreen.
Native range
Oceania.