Parablechnum cordatum
Chilean hard fern
© Richie Steffen
Blechnum chilense
Fern Facts
Evergreen
Hardiness (USDA zones): 7-9
Size: 3' - 5'
Size (cm): 91cm-152cm
Height and Spread: Large - Over 3' in height or spread in 5 years
Light Requirements: Sun tolerant
Garden Use: Ferns for color
Origin: Chile, South America
Description
Parablechnum cordatum is an evergreen dimorphic fern. Sturdy fronds are once-pinnate upright dark green and glossy. Fronds can reach 3 to 5 feet. Grooved stipes are half the length of entire frond and covered in scales. Fronds are randomly attached to a long creeping stoloniferous rhizome that slowly spreads into a colony. New fronds when in the right conditions are bronze to rosy salmon in color that changes to green. New fronds can look like cow ribs when unfurling. Fertile fronds are more erect with linear pinnate.
Culture
Successful growing of this fern requires humus rich moist to wet soil. No fertilizer is needed. Not recommended for exposed very dry areas in the garden. Prefers part sun to light shade and will tolerate more sun in wetter locations. Heavy snow will break fronds, protect plants from freezing in zone 7. When needed the best time to trim off fronds is early March in the Northern Hemisphere and September in the Southern Hemisphere.