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Phegopteris decursive-pinnata (Japanese beech fern)

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Hardy fern grow sheet

Phegopteris decursive-pinnata

Japanese beech fern

(syn. Thelypteris decursive-pinnata)

Japanese Beech Fern is one of the best landscape ferns we've tried over the years. It also behaves very well in pot culture and it travels well with minimal breakage. It has been in the trade for some time, but is still underutilized since it hasn't been readily available. No more! Phegopteris decursive-pinnata is a vigorous spreader and an excellent choice for a groundcover. Beautiful, with graceful fronds, it produces large colonies in moist or average shade. Its vigorous growth is produced on short runners so it is easily controlled if necessary. Arching fronds are a lustrous dark green and have a lighter green underside for a unique display. Japanese Beech Fern appreciates a little extra moisture in the soil to perform best, although it is not necessary for plant health and appearance. It may be evergreen in warmer zones and is fully perennial to zone 4.

SIZE
Phegopteris decursive-pinnata LP32 - 32 per flat Availability
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Height

12-24 Inches

Spread

12-18 Inches

Spacing

12 Inches

Bloom Color

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-10

Japanese beech fern Interesting Notes

"The Japanese beech fern (Phegopteris decursive-pinnata, synonym Thelypteris decursive-pinnata), is an easy deciduous ground cover which spreads at will, but not aggressively, in the comfort of light shade and compost. It serves extremely well where a bright green understory feature is desired for sparkle in the garden design. The  simple lance-shaped fronds form a bushy overlapping colony and mature at 12″ to 24″. It will tolerate both heat and cold making it welcome in a variety of habitats and conditions from Zones 4 and higher."-Casa Flora

Decursive means running down the stem. Pinnata means featherlike. The reference is to the pinnae running down the stem. Phegopteris is derived from phegos (beech) and pteris (fern).

Phegopteris decursive-pinnata Growing and Maintenance Tips

Phegopteris decursive-pinnata like moisture, but tolerate periods of dry. They look their best when provided consistent moisture and good drainage. Optimum growth will occur in bright shade or morning/afternoon sun with plenty of moisture. Japanese Beech Fern will tolerate full shade as on a north side, but may grow more slowly.

Good Substitutions

Variegated palm sedge Carex muskingumensis 'Oehme'
white heath aster Aster ericoides 'Snow Flurry'

Key Characteristics & Attributes

Full Shade
Full Shade
Part Sun
Part Sun
Moist
Moist
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Groundcover
Groundcover

Additional Information

Soil Moisture Needs
Average
Green Infrastructure
Woodland
Plug Type
Landscape Plug™
Propagation Type
Tissue culture