Hard Fern A hardy and very handsome native Irish fern, Blechnum spicant is an evergreen, clump-forming fern with two types of frond. The emerging sterile fronds, arching over almost parallel to the ground, are a shining, bright green, leathery with wavy edges, and divided singly, giving them a ladder-like look. Taller, more upright, green, fertile fronds, with much narrower leaflets, emerge later from the centre of the crown. The fertile fronds wither to brown curls after shedding their spores, remaining attractive through winter. The eventual size of hard fern depends on how moist the soil is. Easy to grow in moist, shaded sites, hard fern holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any moist, neutral to acidic soil; tolerates wet soilPosition: Partial shade, full shadeSeason of interest: All yearHardiness: Very hardyHeight: 2’ (60cm) Spread: 16” (40cm)