Adiantum pedatum 'Imbricatum'

Adiantum pedatum 'Imbricatum' is a short-stemmed cultivar of the Western Maidenhair Fern or Five-Fingered Fern. It is extremely hardy in a genus not known for its hardiness and is one of the most exquisite of all the small hardy ferns. The fronds are arranged in a wide hand-like shape with long fingers with jet black stipes and rachises. Each of the pinnae are divided into delicate fan-shaped pinnules that create an elegant umbrella-like effect.

Adiantum pedatum 'Imbricatum' likes a moist but well-drained fertile humus-rich soil and a shaded aspect. It is at home in a dense overhanging understory or clinging to a sheltered vertical rock face where the arcs of its delicate curves and elegant shape can best display themselves. It is not a fern to expose to full sun or allow to dry out although it will recover soon enough if watered well.

Adiantum pedatum 'Imbricatum' slowly forms a low showy colony, creeping by its stoloniferous roots to create a desirable forest of ferny fronds.