Blechnum spicant (Hard fern, Deer fern) — dark green, leathery fronds forming a dense rosette, with narrower upright fertile fronds emerging from the centre. Evergreen, partial to full shade. Thrives best in cool, deep woodland shade.
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Product features
Botanical name: Blechnum spicant
Common name: Hard fern, Deer fern, Herringbone fern
Height: 0.1m – 0.5m (up to 1m)
Spread: 0.45m – 0.5m (up to 1m)
Foliage: Two frond types — semi-horizontal sterile fronds in a rosette, upright narrower fertile fronds
Flower: None, reproduces via spores on fertile fronds
Attractive to wildlife: Yes, provides excellent year-round shelter
Soil Type: Moist, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soils
Drought tolerant: No, requires consistently moist soil
Hardy: Fully hardy (H6)
Position: Partial to full shade
Evergreen: Yes
Suitable for: Woodland gardens, shady rockeries, ground cover, containers
Materials and care
Light: Partial or full shade — thrives in cool, deep woodland shade
Aspect: North-, east-, or west-facing, sheltered from drying winds
Soil type: Humus-rich, organic, acidic soil, dislikes lime or chalk
Drainage: Moist but well-drained
Watering: Medium to high needs, keep ground damp
Deadheading: Cut away brown fertile fronds in winter after spore drop
End of season: Trim tatty outer fronds in early spring
Fertiliser: Apply leaf mould or well-rotted compost mulch each spring
Propagation: Divide multi-crowned clumps in early spring
