Blechnum penna-marina
Antarctic hard-fern, alpine water fern, pinque
The Alpine Water Fern is a tremendous little fern for giving evergreen ground cover at a low level, particularly useful for front of the border or rock garden pockets. The creeping rhizome spreads the plant into a small colony resembling a patch of upright, wiggly green maggots!
However Blechnum penna-marina is never troublesomely invasive as, rooting close to the surface, it is easily removed from where unwanted. New growth is particularly colourful: bronze in shade but almost bright red in a sunny position. All in all a delightful and trouble free garden plant.
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Plant Biography
Blechnum penna-marina originates in the Southern most parts of Chile and Argentina, down to the subpolar Magellanic forests. You can’t get more cold tolerant than that!
It grows in the most unusual places where other plants would struggle, from rock crevices to small caves. It loves a damp, sheltered spot with some light. A deep shade won’t bother it too much.
In cultivation is used mostly as a ground cover in damp areas in part shade to full shade.
Expert Tip
Care & Size Guidance
This creeping little fern makes a fantastic ground cover in a woodland border with an acidic soil and plenty of moisture. Plant 15-20 cm apart to allow the fern to expand and cover the ground.
Loosely cover with horticultural fleece if frost is forecasted to prevent damage to the leaves. In sheltered spots and close to houses the plant will thrive with no protection required.
Feed with a mild solution of fern fertiliser or any seaweed based fertiliser during the growing season (April to September) and clean twice a year dead fronds.
Make sure to keep it well watered as fronds can get easily scorched by sun and during dry periods.
Excellent plants. Really strong, healthy ferns with a good root system present. Within the market place they represent great value. Palm Centres service is excellent.
Andrew Dickinson –