Arborvitae Fern

Selaginella braunii

Other Names: Arborvitae Spikemoss, Braun’s Spikemoss, Chinese Lace Fern, Treelet Spikemoss

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial Fern

Height at Maturity: 12-18″

Width at Maturity: 18-24″
Spacing: 18″ for mass plantings; 36″ for space between

Growth Habit / Form: Spreading Clump

Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate

Flower Color: None

Flower Size: NA

Flowering Period: NA

Flower Type: NA

Fragrant Flowers: NA

Foliage Color: Bright Green new growth matures to Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Full Shade or Part Shade, Morning Sun With Afternoon Shade

Water Needs: Average

Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand (amend quick-draining soil for moisture retention), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Consistently Moist but Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Humidity, Insect, Moist Soil, Rabbit, Deep Shade

Description

Not really a fern or an arborvitae, the Arborvitae Fern, Selaginella braunii, is actually a member of the spikemoss family, a prehistoric plant. But its lacy leaves sure do resemble an arborvitae and its spreading and clumping habit a fern. Slowly spreading to form an arching groundover in shady sites, it might reach 12 to 18 inches tall and form a patch about 24 inches wide over a few years time. Very easy to grow in shade and it’s unique texture combines beautiful with hosta lilies, heuchera, aucuba, mahonia and just about any other shade-loving plants with bold foliage. Also is great in pots that can be kept outdoors or as an indoor houseplant year round.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 12 to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, the Arborvitae Fern is ideal for use as an accent in smaller garden spaces and containers or in groupings or mass plantings in larger shade or or woodland gardens and home foundation plantings. Looks great near the garden pond or other bodies of water or in containers that can be placed on patios, decks, or anywhere in the landscape that gets shade to part sun. A fine addition to woodland gardens, shade gardens and mixed fern gardens.

Growing Preferences

The Arborvitae Fern is easy to grow in a variety of moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter and part to full shade. Some morning and evening sun is okay but avoid direct afternoon sun. This “fern” will retain green foliage throughout the winter in warmer climates. In colder climates it might be semi-deciduous or deciduous.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, fertilize, prune and water perennial ferns.

How To Plant Perennial Ferns

How To Prune Or Cut Back Perennial fern Plants

How To Fertilize & Water Perennial Fern Plants

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