Blechnum
Deer fern
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 1m × 0.4m – 1.2m
- Position
- Part shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These interesting evergreen ferns are only represented in cooler northern gardens by a few varieties that are tough enough to over winter outside. They generally have fairly slender, even strappy fronds. These range greatly in height. The smallest being dainty Blechnum penna-marina, around 20 centimetres high with cross-latched fronds and a creeping growth habit. On a much larger scale is Blechnum chilense, up to 1.6 metres high with broad chunky fronds. These are subtle, low key ferns and are often seen as ground cover beneath shrubs and trees in woodland areas.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.3m – 1m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 1.2m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court, Rock garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade, likes light shade, tolerates dense shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Planting
Divide some varieties differently
Some plant varieties within this genus have different requirements for dividing them when they get big. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for guidance, and/or check the label.