Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
FernsHerbaceous Perennial

Asplenium fontanum

smooth rock spleenwort

A compact, clump-forming evergreen fern with small lance shaped blades and divided lacy foliage

Other common names
smooth rock spleenwort
Synonyms
Asplenium halleri
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
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Aspleniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Asplenium are evergreen ferns with short, usually erect rhizomes bearing a rosette of slightly leathery fronds which may be simple, pinnate to 3-pinnate

Name status

Correct

Plant range
CS Europe C Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

A fern which prefers alpine or rockery conditions with loose free draining soils in partial shade or full sun with slightly more moisture. Dislikes wet soils especially over winter. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.