Evergreen Maidenhair Fern – Adiantum venustum
Evergreen Maidenhair Fern Adiantum venustum is one of the most attractive deciduous ferns for shade gardens in my opinion.
Evergreen Maidenhair frond – Adiantum venustum
In mild climates Maidenhair ferns can be evergreen most of the year but can also be deciduous, turning to a rust brown autumn and winter colour.
This fern species spreads through thin rhizomes to form a beautiful groundcover approximately 25cm high. The fronds have an ovate shape made up of fan shaped parts set on dark to black shiny stems.
It’s an attractive fern plant that really does set off shade areas of the garden, and looks particularly beautiful when growing near water.
Evergreen Maidenhair fern fronds, planted in shade – Adiantum venustum
Adiantum venustum originates from Afghanistan Himalaya
How to Grow Maidenhair Ferns Adiantum venustum
Evergreen Maidenhair ferns are good for under planting in cottage gardens and informal garden areas of shade or semi shade such as under trees, shrubs, bushes, roses, and flower borders.
Maidenhair fern plants are low maintenance.
Grow in partial shade or full shade facing south, west, or east, in sheltered or exposed places.
Height and Spread
- Full Height 0.1 to 0.5 metres taking 10 years to attain full height
- Spread 0.5-1 metres, clump forming
Cultivate
Grow outdoors in a moderately fertile soil with a success preference for filtered light, good ventilation, with humidity at high or medium. During the growth season you can feed with a liquid fertiliser at half strength once a month.
Remove damaged fronds in spring.
Care of Adiantum venustum
Maidenhair ferns do not require pruning but fronds that are damaged can be removed in the spring to make them look tidier in the garden.
When kept under glass you can get issues with scale insects.
Propagate
Propagation takes place through spores. Plants can be transplanted in spring.
Diseases
Maidenhair ferns are generally free of disease.
Name
Adiantum venustum
Common Name Evergreen Maidenhair
Family Pteridaceae
Genus Adiantum
Ferns
Read more about ferns for shade gardens
