« Previous Plant  |  Next Plant »

Blechnum spicant

Deer Fern (Hard Fern)

This fern forms a low clump of leathery leaves and two kinds of fronds. Sterile fronds are narrow, dark glossy green, and spreading or angled. Fertile fronds are stiffly erect, with narrow, widely spaced leaflets.

  • »  Stiff, narrow, leathery, deep green fronds
  • »  Two kinds of fronds are produced
  • »  Some are sterile, narrow and glossy green
  • »  Others are fertile held stiffly erect with a narrow form
  • »  Central stems on mature branches are dark reddish-brown
  • »  Spreads slowly by rhizomes
  • »  Can tolerate full sun in wet conditions
  • »  Evergreen

1gal
$27.83
Currently Not Available
  • Category:Ferns
  • Hardiness Zone:5
  • Height:45-60 cm
  • Spread:45-60 cm
  • Bloom Color: Non-flowering
Exposure
• Full Shade
• Partial Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Average
• Well-drained
Growth Rate
• Slow
Critter
• Deer Resistant
• Rabbit Resistant
Attributes
• Evergreen
• Low Maintenance
Habit
• Clumping
Foliage Color
• Green (dark)
Landscape uses
• Ground cover
• Rock garden
• Woodland/woods edge
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Blechnum spicant

Blechnum grows best in a rich, moist, well-drained soil, but is very adaptable to sandy soils and clay.  It is best grown in partial to full shade, however, it can be grown in full sun in wet conditions. Old fronds should be cut out in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears.