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A very dwarf maidenhair from the Pacific Northwest of the USA. Slowly spreading into magnificent carpets of architectural foliage.
Well it might. I have a long time to wait. I got it from Aberconwy Nursery, their label says: "A very dwarf form of this attractive Maidenhair fern for a shady site sheltered from the wind. Bronze new fronds in spring unfurl into tiny flat fronds with many dainty pinnules, slightly twisted upwards. Height and spread 5-8cm. Moist humus rich soil." Martin Rickard says: "'Subpumilum' AGM (dwarf maidenhair), 7-15cm (3-6in), deciduous, wintergreen in a mild winter, has overlapping pinnae and is more tolerant of wind. Ideal for borders, stone troughs or rock gardens. In the wild this form is rare, only known from a handful of sites in the Pacific north-west of America. It grows in proximity to the typical plant along with plants of all intermediate sizes, see 'Imbricatum'. In horticulture it, nevertheless, comes true from spores." Sue Olsen says: "'Subpumilum,' (usually very small) was discovered in the 1960s by the late Seattle horticulturist-botanist Carl English, on sea cliffs on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He held this information carefully to protect the native site from collectors. It can even be hinted that by being studiously vague he carefully misled would be collectors. As a consequence many potential sites from northern Oregon to southeastern Alaska came under close scrutiny, ,all without a "sighting". He did, however, generously share spores so that this highly desirable little plant could be distributed to enthusiasts throughout the country and, in time, abroad. With various and varying designations in the nomenclature, it has been a bit of an orphan botanically. For years, I found it easier, by default, to just call it "dwarf maidenhair". And truly dwarf it is. Having spore propagated hundreds of plants, all of which consistently matured as less than 8in (20cm), I agree with the late Herb Wagner in preferring to recognise it as a separate entity. Whilst suitable for Zones 6 to 8, it is not the easiest to introduce. My most contented plants are in rich soil with good drainage and light shade. This cultivar does not tolerate heavy soil. Once established, however, 'Subpumilum' is an immensely ornamental foreground feature or functional ground cover in a mixed container planting. " |
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| 9th May 2014 | ||
