Blechnum
Perennial, evergreen foliage plant with bold, leathery, dark green fronds. Enjoys a moist, cool, shaded site in acid soil. Both native hardy and half-hardy tropical forms are available.
Family: Blechnaceae
Botanical Name: Blechnum
Common Names: Hard fern, deer fern,
herringbone fern, northern fern, snake fern
Foliage: Evergreen, tough, narrow, pinnate fronds.
Soil: Moist, humus rich soil (clay or loam). Acid or neutral pH.
Conditions: Full shade or partial shade. Plant in an east, west or north facing aspect, in a sheltered position.
Habit: Tufted, erect or creeping.
Type: Perennial.
Origin: Northern and southern hemisphere.
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK except for B. chilense.
Planting and Growing Blechnum
Plant in spring, in moist lime-free soil, in a shady sheltered position. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted leaf mould or ericaceous compost into the planting hole before planting. Dislikes alkaline soils.
Spreads easily from creeping rhizomes and can quickly form a dense clump in moist conditions. Ideal for use as ground cover in damp, shaded areas. A good companion for other shade-loving woodland plants.
Taking Care of Blechnum
Shelter from drying winds. Mulch annually in spring with bark or leaf mould.
Pruning Blechnum
Remove dead or damaged fronds as necessary.
Pests and Diseases
Generally pest and disease free.
Propagating Blechnum
Lift, divide and replant in spring or early autumn. Alternatively, sow the fine spores in mid to late summer.
Varieties of Blechnum
Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' (Brazilian tree fern) the young fronds unfurl in shades of bronze, turning green as they open. Gradually forms a small trunk, reaching around 1ft (30cm) tall in 10 years. Compact and ideal for patio pots. Hardy down to -5C (23F) but will it will appreciate a sheltered spot and some protection in winter. Height to 2ft (90cm), spread to 28in (70cm). For sale at Van Meuwen.
Blechnum chilense (Chilean hard fern) produces bold leathery undulating fronds. Young growth may be pink-red. Not fully hardy in UK - so either dig up the crown before first frosts and overwinter under-glass, or mulch with a thick layer of leaf mould, straw or bark.
Blechnum penna-marina (dwarf hard fern, alpine water fern) a low growing fern with narrow fronds that form a low spreading carpet. The young fronds emerge bronze-red and mature to a fresh green. Ideal ground cover at the front of a woodland border. Height to 6 to 12in (15-30cm).
Blechnum spicant (common hard fern) produces an attractive rosette of densely set, narrow, dark green fronds. Good all-year interest for moist shady areas. Height to 2ft (60cm). For sale at Crocus.