Border Builder

Western Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum aleuticum

Illustration of Western Maidenhair Fern

Western Maidenhair Fern is a perennial for groundcover, mid-border, suited to shade and partial shade and clay, loam or moist ground, flowering varies by climate.

TypePerennial
Mature height45 cm
Spread45 cm
Aspectshade and partial shade
FoliageDeciduous
HardinessUSDA 3a-8b, RHS H7
Pollinator-friendlyNo
Pet-safeYes

Where to use it in a border

At around 45 cm, it sits best along the front edge, where a low, spreading habit reads best. Give it about 45 cm of room to spread, roughly 2 to the metre when planted in a drift. It is hardy across USDA zones 3a to 8b and rated H7 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of shade, clay soil, wet soil, pet-safe plants.

Border Builder uses Western Maidenhair Fern's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

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Flowering through the year

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Worth knowing

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

Garden styles

Shade cottage Wildlife garden Woodland