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Rumohra adiantiformis

Image of Rumohra adiantiformis

Mark A. Miller

Family

Dryopteridaceae

Botanical Name

Rumohra adiantiformis

Plant Common Name

Leatherleaf

General Description

Native to warm areas throughout the Southern Hemisphere, this creeping evergreen fern is ubiquitous in the florists' trade because of its tough leathery long-lasting fronds. Its toughness also makes it an easy fern for mild-climate gardens. The broad triangular arching fronds grow from scaly creeping rhizomes with golden brown scales. The lustrous dark green foliage resists drying and browning. Plants spread to form large lush clumps that my reach waist high. In nature, this plant sometimes grows on tree limbs as an epiphyte.

This somewhat cold-tender fern prefers fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil and partial shade. A great problem solver for neglected shady areas, it is often used as groundcover in foundation plantings to mask the bare stems of old shrubs. It works well in containers, doing best in a highly organic potting mix.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Fern

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    18"-48" / 45.7cm - 121.9cm

  • Width

    2'-10' / 0.6m - 3.0m

  • Native To

    South America, Southern Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Cutflower, Foundation, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Self-Sowing

    No