Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Asplenium trichomanes, commonly known as the maidenhair spleenwort, is a small, evergreen fern with a huge native distribution, including Europe, Asia, North America, Central and South America. A number of sub-species exist, each suited to growing in varying growing conditions, often in well-drained, rocky habitats.
In the garden, Asplenium trichomanes is fantastic for growing in rockeries, in brick and stone walls or among stepping stones in shady spots.
For best results, grow Asplenium trichomanes in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, or transfer young plants to a shady, ideally limestone wall, as they enjoy alkaline conditions. Keep plants tidy by snipping off dead, dried fronds. It's been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Plant calendar
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Sow
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Plant
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Divide
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Asplenium and wildlife
Asplenium has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
