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FernsHerbaceous Perennial

Blechnum discolor

crown fern

An evergreen fern with bright green, upright, fertile fronds with paler undersides, surounded by green, arching, sterile fronds. Mature plants can develop a short trunk-like rhizome structure.

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Loam

Clay

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Neutral, Acid

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full shade
Partial shade

Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Blechnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Blechnum are mostly evergreen ferns with erect or creeping rhizomes and simply pinnate, leathery fronds, the fertile ones usually erect, the sterile often spreading
Name status: Correct
Plant range: New Zealand

How to grow

Cultivation

For best results grow in moist but free draining soil in partial shade. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns.

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Generally not required but can remove dead or damaged fronds as required.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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