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Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and chickens fern)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
0.75m
Max height
Max height
0.75m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Asplenium bulbiferum
Other names
Hen and chickens fern, Mother spleenwort, New Zealand common spleenwort
Genus
Asplenium Asplenium
Species
A. bulbiferum - A. bulbiferum is an evergreen fern with soft, feathery dark green fronds.
Asplenium bulbiferum is: Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Diseases
Sometimes affected by rust in damp winters.
General care
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds should be removed.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores, Pot up sprouting plantlets
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Where to grow
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and chickens fern) will reach a height of 0.75m and a spread of 0.75m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Containers, Underplanting, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant outdoors in humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Bright mid-day sun can cause damage, and can be sensitive to fungicides. If planted inside under glass, plant in a mix of equal parts loam, coarse leaf mould, sharp sand and charcoal. Water moder
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Hart's tongue ferns contrast well with more feathery ferns, that toleratedry shade.
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Asplenium bulbiferum
Other names
Hen and chickens fern, Mother spleenwort, New Zealand common spleenwort
Genus
Asplenium Asplenium
Species
A. bulbiferum - A. bulbiferum is an evergreen fern with soft, feathery dark green fronds.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Diseases
Sometimes affected by rust in damp winters.
General care
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds should be removed.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores, Pot up sprouting plantlets
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and chickens fern) will reach a height of 0.75m and a spread of 0.75m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Containers, Underplanting, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant outdoors in humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Bright mid-day sun can cause damage, and can be sensitive to fungicides. If planted inside under glass, plant in a mix of equal parts loam, coarse leaf mould, sharp sand and charcoal. Water moder
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
COMPANION PLANTS
Hart's tongue ferns contrast well with more feathery ferns, that toleratedry shade.
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
Morgan Stanley is returning to Chelsea Flower Show for a third consecutive year with ‘The Morgan Stanley Garden’ designed by Chris Beardshaw. read more
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