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A widespread fern occurring in Africa, India, China, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Smaller than 'Bronze Venus'
(or perhaps I mean that 'Bronze Venus' is a larger selection, it's just that I have been growing it for longer), with slightly
crimped pinnules. The natural range does not suggest great hardiness but it has tolerated a few degrees of frost in the greenhouse
without defoliating. Writing in the JRHS in 1849, Thomas Moore says: "A very delicate and pretty species, clothed with fine hairs. It grows 6 or 8 inches high, the fronds alternately branched, the rachides of the lengthened branches being elegantly curved, and bearing small rhomb-shaped pinnules. It is well suited for bouquets. Introduced from New Holland, and requires a warm temperate climate." The Hardy Fern Foundation says: "Adiantum hispidulum is a short creeping rhizome fern with stiff hairs along its long stipe. Young fronds are usually late arriving, are rosy pink with the mature fronds turning bronzy green. The fronds are branched with fan-shaped pinnules with a rough texture. These ferns are great potted indoors or out. Growing outdoors this fern prefers rich moist well drained soil in a sheltered site. New ferns are easily propagated from spores and divisions. Protect from freezing outdoors in zone 8." |
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| 2nd December 2017 | ||
