What Is the Mature Height & Width of a Leatherleaf Fern?

Identification

• Leatherleaf fern is a creeping, herbaceous perennial that is winter hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 11. Its large fronds emerge radially from a central point, forming clumping plants that spread by both reddish, aboveground stolons and underground rhizomes, from which new leaves periodically appear. It does not flower and has no seasonal characteristics to speak of, but this fern does provide nice evergreen foliage.

Dimensions

• The leatherleaf fern can reach 1 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. The plant fronds grow as upright, lightly drooping foliage that eventually forms dense mats, especially when planted en masse. Although one plant is restricted to these dimensions, it may spread underground by rhizome to produce a new stemless leaf, which can grow into another plant, so colonies can be considerably larger. Diseases like anthracnose may prevent the fern from reaching its full dimensions, as it attacks young leaves and prevents them from growing.

Culture

• Although the leatherleaf fern can tolerate some indirect sunlight, it prefers dappled light of approximately 70 percent shade. The plant tolerates many types of soil but is not drought tolerant, so water it when weather turns hot and dry. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings, then soak it. When growing leatherleaf indoors, keep the fern away from heating vents, as hot, dry drafts can cause leaf edges to scorch. Indoors the fern prefers bright indirect light, but keep it out of the sun.

Uses

• The leatherleaf fern is commonly added to commercial floral arrangements, and its sturdy but delicate green fronds are certainly up to the task. However, leatherleaf fern can also be used in the garden as groundcover in shaded locations, where its dense fronds will form a lush carpet. It will even grow in deep shade, where many other plants will not, and as such is ideal for low- or shifting-light locations. It may be used in both borders and mass plantings, or grown as a cutting plant for use in arrangements.