Blechnum penna-marina, Antarctic Hard Fern, is a delightful and extremely hardy, miniature, ground-cover fern that slowly spreads to form a low mat. The fronds are small and leathery with the new growth often tinged with pink or bronze. The sterile fronds tend to be more prostrate while the fertile fronds are more erect, more elongated and narrower. It will grow in shade, semi-shade or full sun in a moist fertile soil.

Blechnum penna-marina is an extremely attractive and reliable fern and it is surprising it is not that often seen in British gardens as it ticks so many of the boxes that are desirable in a garden plant: hardy, evergreen, slowly spreading, tolerant of neglect and diverse conditions, with somewhat cute yet handsome foliage. This is a fern that occupies the same niche as the incredibly popular, Soleirolia soleirolii, yet it is hardier and more adaptable. It really does needs to be grown more often. It has a unique charm and will not let you down.

Highly recommended.