Himalayan Maidenhair fern is one of our favorite groundcovers for shade and rich, moist soil. The divided fronds in the shape of an arrow are always soft and fresh. In spring this deciduous variety emerges with tones of amber and soft pink before taking on a mature soft green hue. These delicate leaflets are held on thin, wiry black stems to 10″ tall and it spreads prodigiously to form vast colonies. It doesn’t smother neighboring plants however, instead it seems to just flow around such woodland neighbors as Epimedium, Hellebores, even woodland bulbs like Erythronium. Regular summer water. Avoid hard, compacted dry soils. High deer resistance.
Adiantum venustum
Family: Pteridaceae Genus: Adiantum
Plant type: Fern, Ground cover, Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Deer Resistance, Mesic, Oregon Coast
Sun exposure: Part Shade, Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn5a -15º to -20ºF
Foliage color: Bronze/Orange, Light Green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous