Blechnum chilense
(Chilean Hard Fern)

Family - Blechnaceae
Category - Fern
Origin - Chile, Argentina
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H4
Height - 90cm or more
Width - 90cm or more
Location - The Woodland Walk

Description: An Evergreen fern with leathery, pinnate fronds with lanceolate leaflets and brown, hairy stems. Two types of fronds are produced. The fertile, spore-producing fronds have more narrow leaflets and the sterile fronds have broad leaflets with wavy margins. The new growth emerges coppery-red, and turns bright green before finally maturing to dark green. The new fronds are produced throughout the spring and summer.

Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Synonym - Blechnum magellanicum, B. cordatum

Gallery Images:

Foliage:

Leathery, dark green pinnate fronds have lanceolate pinnae (leaflets). Sterile fronds are produced first and have broader leaflets with wavy margins. Fertile, spore-producing fronds have more narrow leaflets. New growth is produced throughout the spring and summer and emerges coppery-red, contrasting well with the darker, older growth.

Foliage Senescence: Evergreen

Foliage Shape: Pinnate with lanceolate pinnae.

Propagation:

Spores, division.

Cultivation:

Best in partial shade to shade in moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.