Plants in genus pteris
Pteris multifida
Pteris multifida is a crested fern with narrow, serrate light fronds ending in a frilly petticoat. It forms an 18-inch tall clump and is hardy in garden settings. This plant is suitable for sunny locations and can naturalize in alkaline conditions.
Pteris cretica 'Albo Fern'
Pteris cretica 'Albo Fern' is a tropical indoor plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, featuring dark green fronds with a cream-white center and white lateral veins. It thrives in indirect sunlight and requires humidity, making it well-suited for subtropical climates. This fern can grow up to 1-2.5 feet tall and is known for its striking foliage, which adds a touch of elegance to indoor spaces. Its adaptability to low light conditions makes it a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts.
Pteris cretica
Pteris cretica, commonly known as the Cretan brake, is an evergreen fern with arching pinnate fronds that can grow up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, this fern is winter-hardy and thrives in part sun to shade. It is widely cultivated as a houseplant and in gardens, particularly in shade gardens. The variety Pteris cretica var. albolineata is especially popular for its ornamental appeal. This fern requires frost protection and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Pteris ensiformis
Pteris ensiformis, an ornamental fern from Asia and the Pacific, is notable for its silvery white fronds with green margins. It thrives in humid environments with shady to mild light, making it suitable for terrariums. This fern grows up to 18 inches tall and does not tolerate frost or direct sunlight. Over-watering can cause leaf yellowing, while too much light may lead to browning. It is a moderate to fast grower, preferring a slightly acidic pH of 6-6.5.
Pteris ensiformis 'Silver Lace'
Pteris ensiformis 'Silver Lace' is a fern native to Asia and the Pacific, recognized for its delicate, silvery green leaves and compact growth habit. It thrives in indirect sunlight and high humidity, making it suitable for subtropical climates. This plant can grow up to 2.5 feet and requires regular pruning to maintain its shape.
Pteris cretica var. laeta 'Hh03ch097'
The hardy ribbon fern, collected from Sichuan Province, forms a 5-foot wide clump with 2-foot tall stipes of light green leaves. It creates a bold textured effect in the garden.
Pteris wallichiana 'Taoshan Trail'
Pteris wallichiana 'Taoshan Trail' is a giant fern that can grow up to 8 feet tall, thriving in average to moist, rich organic soils. Found at elevations of 6,200 feet in Taiwan, this fern is known for its impressive size and tropical appearance. It is suitable for cottage gardens and can be used as a groundcover or in living walls. 'Taoshan Trail' is deer resistant and can grow in part sun to light shade, adding a lush, green presence to garden spaces.
Pteris cretica var. cretica 'Ping Wu'
Selected by Hans Hansen, this dwarf fern was found at 3,500 feet elevation near Ping Wu, Sichuan Province, China. It forms a dense, dwarf habit with extraordinarily narrow fronds and five-fingered leaves. The plant is deer-resistant and easy to grow, forming a 1-foot wide evergreen clump.
Pteris vittata 'Benzilan'
Pteris vittata 'Benzilan' is a deciduous fern introduced from Yunnan, China, known for its dark green fronds and deer resistance. It forms a 3-foot tall clump and is the first Zone 7b hardy form. This plant is used in bioremediation to clean arsenic-laced soils.
Pteris cretica ssp. cretica 'Ping Wu'
Pteris cretica ssp. cretica 'Ping Wu' is a dwarf fern with extraordinarily narrow fronds, forming a dense clump about 15 inches tall and 30 inches wide. Discovered at high elevations in Sichuan Province, China, it features five-fingered leaves and is deer-resistant. This evergreen plant is easy to grow and thrives in part sun to light shade, making it a versatile addition to gardens.
Pteris cretica var. laeta 'Wu Wu'
The Evergreen Ribbon Fern is a winter-hardy plant collected from high elevations in Sichuan Province. It forms a clump about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with light green leaves that have a bold, airy texture.
Pteris wallichiana 'Hualien Giant'
Pteris wallichiana 'Hualien Giant' is a dramatic fern discovered in Taiwan, known for its tropical appearance and 8-foot tall specimens. It is winter hardy in zone 7b and spreads via thick underground rhizomes. This fern thrives in rich, slightly moist organic soils.
Pteris cretica ssp. laeta 'Wu Wu'
Pteris cretica ssp. laeta 'Wu Wu' is an evergreen ribbon fern collected from high elevations in Sichuan Province. It forms a 2-foot tall by 3-foot wide clump with light green leaves and a bold, airy texture. This fern is winter hardy and thrives in part sun to light shade.
Pteris cretica ssp. cretica 'Marianna'
Pteris cretica ssp. cretica 'Marianna' is a fern with a wide range, mostly found in Asia and naturalized on the Gulf Coast. It is spore-grown and hardy to USDA zones 6 or 7. This fern thrives in part sun to shade and is suitable for a variety of garden settings, including as a groundcover.
Pteris cretica var. cretica 'Marianna'
This fern has a wide range, mostly in Asia, and has naturalized on the Gulf coast. It is spore-grown and typically hardy to Zone 6 or 7.
Pteris cretica ssp. laeta 'Western Hills'
Pteris cretica ssp. laeta 'Western Hills' is a deciduous fern known for its light green leaves that resemble long fingers. It forms a clump that can grow up to 5 feet wide and 3 feet tall. This fern is winter hardy down to 9 degrees Fahrenheit and thrives in part sun to shade. Fertile fronds appear in early fall, adding to its seasonal interest. It is a perennial plant that can be a striking addition to shaded garden areas.
Pteris cretica var. laeta 'Western Hills'
This fern is winter hardy to 9 degrees F and forms a 5-foot wide by 3-foot tall clump. Its light green leaves resemble long fingers, and fertile fronds arise in early fall. The plant is deciduous.
Pteris cretica ssp. laeta 'Hh03ch097'
Pteris cretica ssp. laeta 'Hh03ch097', commonly known as the hardy ribbon fern, is a bold-textured plant collected from high elevations in Sichuan Province, China. It forms a wide clump with light green leaves on tall stipes, creating a striking effect in gardens. This fern is suitable for part sun to light shade and can be a unique addition to shade or sun perennial collections.
Pteris multifida 'Jade Waterfall'
Pteris multifida 'Jade Waterfall' is a winter-hardy fern with narrow, skeleton-like, thick green leaves that form a 1-foot tall by 15-inch wide clump. This plant prefers a near-neutral pH and is adaptable to various garden locations, thriving in partially sunny areas. Its unique foliage and ability to withstand cold temperatures make it a versatile choice for gardeners. 'Jade Waterfall' is suitable for use in cottage gardens, as groundcovers, or in living walls. Its distinctive appearance and adaptability make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of greenery to their landscape.