Northern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
Northern Maidenhair Fern is a perennial for edging, mid-border, suited to shade and partial shade and loam or acid soil, flowering varies by climate.
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Spread | 45 cm |
| Aspect | shade and partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 3a-8a |
| Pollinator-friendly | No |
| Pet-safe | Yes |
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 8a, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, acid soil, pet-safe plants.
Border Builder uses Northern 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.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- It tolerates acid soil but dislikes shallow chalk.
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Allegheny Spurgeto edge in front
- Alumroot 'Palace Purple'to edge in front
- Appalachian Sedgeto edge in front
- Cherokee Sedgeto edge in front
- Coral Bells 'Autumn Bride'to edge in front
- Coral Bells 'Dale's Strain'to edge in front