This evergreen fern has an erect creeping rhizome that forms a clump. It has upright to spreading leathery textured glossy green sterile divided fronds and the narrow fertile fronds stand erect at the centre of the plant during summer.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9

Blechnum spicantis naturally found from Europe to western Asia and North America growing in semi shaded to shady, moist rocky places on the coast and inland. It is commonly found along water courses or in gullies and will tolerate drier conditions.

It prefers a well drained organic rich, light chalky to stony loams that are tending alkaline in a shade to semi shaded protected position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Hard Fern is grown for its clumping habit and foliage. It is planted along shady borders or used as an understory around water features and is grown in patio pots or planter boxes. It establishes from division in 2-3 years and is long lived. It is also used in temperate gardens and is suitable for coastal positions and low mountain regions. ID 3202

Blechnum(BLEK-num) spicant(SPEEK-ant)

Blechnaceae(blek-NAY-see-ee)