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Cyrtomium lonchitoides

A compact, evergreen fern to 30cm tall, with slender fronds composed of opposite pairs of broadly sickle-shaped leaflets (pinnae). Grow at the front of a well-drained, shady border or on a rock garden, or in a container in a cool greenhouse

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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
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Cyrtomium can be tufted evergreen or deciduous ferns with simply pinnate leaves composed of sickle-shaped pinnae; spore-heaps are scattered over the lower surface of the frond

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. In cold regions protect the crown with straw in winter. Under glass, grow in 1 part each loam, medium grade bark and charcoal, 2 parts sharp sand, and 3 parts coarse leaf mould, in bright, indirect light

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores at 16°C in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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