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Pellaea rotundifolia

button fern

A compact, evergreen fern forming a nearly flat rosette of pinnate fronds to 25cm long, composed of rounded, deep green leaflets borne on dark brown, pink-scaled stems. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens

Other common names
New Zealand cliff brake
round-leaved fern
see moretarawera
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Pteridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Pellaea can be evergreen or deciduous, tufted ferns with pinnate to tripinnate fronds

Name status

Correct

Plant range
New Zealand

How to grow

Cultivation

Requires a moderately fertile, ericaceous, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with protection from hot midday sun, or partial shade. In frost prone areas protect the crown with a dry winter mulch. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by spores sown at 13-18°C when ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required. Remove old leaves as they die down for the winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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