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Enter the approximate length and width of the area you will be planting and click 'Calculate' to determine how many Phegopteris decursive-pinnata you will need.

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Correct and successful spacing is complex and depends on project conditions. We encourage you to call us at 877-ECO-PLUG for project specific recommendations and further assistance.

Phegopteris decursive-pinnata

Japanese beech fern

  • Category: Fern
  • Hardiness Zone: 4-10
  • Height: 12-24 Inches
  • Spread: 12-18 Inches
  • Spacing: 12 Inches
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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.

Click here to download technical information for growers:
Exposure
Part Sun
Full Shade
Soil Moisture Needs
Average
Moist
Green Infrastructure
Woodland
Plug Type
Landscape Plug™
For Animals
Deer Resistant
Attributes
Groundcover
Propagation Type
Tissue culture
Additional Information about Phegopteris decursive-pinnata

"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).

BONAP Map

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Phegopteris decursive-pinnata

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.

Recommmended Substitutions for Phegopteris decursive-pinnata