Blechnum spicant

Deer Fern

(7 customer reviews)

£30.95

A British native fern with sub-tropical appearance, Blechnum spicant, is an easy going plant that enjoys moist lime-free soils and looks great all year round.

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Origin: Northern hemisphere including UK
Genus: Blechnum
Species / Cultivar: spicant
Common Name: Deer Fern
Synonym: Asplenium spicant

Plant Biography

Blechnum spicant are widespread throughout the UK and Europe, as well as being found in North Africa, Russia, Asia and some areas of Northern America.

Due to its wide spread growth around the world, Blechnum spicant has a wide and varied history. For instance in the Pacific Northwest the Hesquiaht people chewed the leaves as a hunger suppressant when travelling. Elsewhere, the rhizome itself has been used as an emergency food source.

Known as ‘Deer Ferns’, these magnificent specimens unusually have two types of frond: sterile and fertile, which differ in appearance. Sterile foliage is dark green, wide with wavy edges and grows out horizontally, whilst fertile foliage grows from the centre of the plant and is longer, narrower and grows upright.

Blechnum spicant
Soil: Moisture Retaining
Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Part Shade
Enjoys several hours of direct sunlight but may enjoy dappling or shade at midday.
Eventual Height: 0.45m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.3m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Expert Tip

In the wild Asplenium scolopendrium and Blechnum spicant are often found alongside one another. They thrive in the same environment, making A. scolopendrium a fantastic choice of companion plant when garden designing with Blechnum spicant.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Blechnum spicant is quite easy to grow and can put up with fairly difficult situations. It’s suited for planting in part to full shade in moist, acidic and well-drained soils.

Also known as ‘Hard Ferns’, in the wild they grow on a range of terrain including mountainous grasslands, heaths, moors, and hillsides. The presence of Blechnum spicant in the wild suggests you may be walking through ancient woodland as it’s an indicator species of the now rare habitat.

I was delighted to receive 3 lovely ferns in superb condition, still moist and strong and healthy, ingeniously packed in a sort of Wardian case made of cardboard. Will definitely order from the Palm Centre again.

Anne M.

I was delighted to receive 3 lovely ferns in superb condition, still moist and strong and healthy, ingeniously packed in a sort of Wardian case made of cardboard. Will definitely order from the Palm Centre again.

7 customer reviews for Blechnum spicant

Received 4 super healthy ferns! Fantastic price compared to my local garden centres. Will definitely use this company again.

Tracey Spowart (verified owner)

Plant arrived in excellent condition, well packaged. I am always pleased with what I receive from you guys!

Katie W.

I was delighted to receive 3 lovely ferns in superb condition, still moist and strong and healthy, ingeniously packed in a sort of Wardian case made of cardboard. Will definitely order from the Palm Centre again.

Anne M.

Two wonderful ferns, albeit had ordered 4 in a bulk order. Hopefully will be resolved soon. The two that were delivered are in perfect condition.

Richard S.