Adiantum capillus-veneris
maidenhair fern
A low-growing spreading fern with gently arching, twice divided elegant fronds supported on wiry black stems. Semi-evergreen in warm sheltered gardens or if grown as a houseplant
Other common names
black maidenhaircapillaire
see moredudder grass
Venus maidenhair
Venus's hair
maidenhair fern
Synonyms
Adiantum paradiseae
Size
Ultimate height
0.1鈥�0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2鈥�5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1鈥�0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well鈥揹rainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West鈥揻acing or East鈥揻acing or 狈辞谤迟丑鈥揻补肠颈苍驳
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Pteridaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen or Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Adiantum can be deciduous or evergreen ferns with shiny black stalks bearing simple or more usually pinnately divided fronds, the segments fan-shaped, oblong or rounded, carrying spores under reflexed marginal flaps
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in a moist but free draining soil in partial shade. Makes an effective shady border edging in mild areas. Can also be grown as a houseplant. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Ground cover
- Garden edging
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Can trim back any faded growth in winter if required or wait for new growth to start emerging in spring.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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