Paesia scaberula
lace fern
A deciduous fern, with creeping rhizomes and lacy, pale yellow-green fronds to 1m long, with a zigzag structure to the midrib which is coated with fine reddish hairs. Fronds are slightly leathery and hairy, and faintly aromatic when crushed. Fertile fronds bear 'sori' (structures which produce or contain spores) all along the underside margins, protected by inrolled leaf edges
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Dennstaedtiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in light or dappled shade; may not be hardy in colder areas so provide a winter mulch or move container-grown plants inside. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or from spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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