Blechnum spicant

Blechnum spicant

Why Buy Me?

• Great for a shady spot
• Ideal for a woodland theme garden
• Elegant dark green fronds

Growing Conditions

Light:
Partial to full shade. Best in dappled or deep shade, making it ideal for woodland settings or north-facing borders. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.

Soil:
Moist, humus-rich, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soils with plenty of organic matter. Does not tolerate chalky or very alkaline soils well.

Exposure:
Thrives in sheltered, shaded environments. Hardy in USDA zones 5–9 (UK H7), with excellent tolerance to cold, wet climates. Shelter from strong, drying winds for best frond condition.

Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate. Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and protect roots.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or autumn when soil is moist and temperatures are cool to allow good root establishment.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Grows 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) tall and wide, slowly forming neat, evergreen clumps over time.

Watering & Fertilization:
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Does not tolerate prolonged drought. Fertilization is typically unnecessary in rich soil but may benefit from a top-dressing of compost or leaf mould in early spring.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring with leaf mould or compost to enrich soil and maintain moisture. Remove dead or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring to allow fresh growth.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Division every few years helps rejuvenate plants and control size. Can also be grown from spores, though this is a slower and more advanced method.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New sterile fronds emerge in tidy, low rosettes. Fertile fronds rise more upright from the centre of the plant, creating visual interest.

Summer:
Maintains lush, green foliage. The contrast between arching sterile fronds and upright fertile fronds adds texture and architectural interest.

Autumn:
Evergreen in mild climates. Foliage continues to look attractive, especially with adequate moisture.

Winter:
Evergreen. Offers reliable winter structure and interest in shaded areas. Protect from excessive snow accumulation to prevent frond breakage.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Provides shelter for insects, amphibians, and small wildlife. Supports biodiversity in woodland and shade gardens. Not a major pollinator plant, but valuable for ecological balance.

Garden Use:
Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, damp areas, and as underplanting for trees and shrubs. Excellent in naturalistic and wildlife-friendly gardens. Suitable for shaded rock gardens or along streams.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other shade lovers such as Hostas, Hellebores, Tiarella, Epimedium, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, and other ferns like Dryopteris, Polystichum, and Athyrium. Works beautifully with mosses and woodland bulbs like Snowdrops and Bluebells.

Transform your home and garden with the Blechnum spicant , a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.