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Blechnum spicant
deer fern
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Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Al Dodson (www.aldodson.com) |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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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. This evergreen fern combines well with a wide variety of woodland perennials. It is just as effective on its own or when planted as a small-scale groundcover. Deer fern is especially attractive with gold-foliage plants such as golden Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’) and the variegated Hosta ‘June’. Of course, it is also a perfect choice for gardens featuring native plants and broadleaf evergreens. Once established, Blechnum spicant is a surprisingly versatile plant that tolerates many soil and light conditions. |
| Culture |
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Blechnum spicant looks best when watered regularly. It prefers shade to partial shade but grows well in full sun if given humus-rich soil and plenty of water. It is easiest to cut off the old fronds in late March before the new fronds unfurl. It has no significant disease or pest problems and is not eaten by slugs. |
| Growing Habit |
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Blechnum spicant reaches 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. For mass plantings, set plants 18 inches on center |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 5 to 9 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden