Species broad beech fern
green, shiny, triangular-shaped fronds

broad beech fern

Phegopteris hexagonoptera

The broad beech fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera) is a tall, graceful fern with triangular leaflets. It reaches up to 3 feet in height. Its leaves are a glossy green color, and the stalks are yellow-green in color. The leaflets are arranged in a unique pattern that looks like a honeycomb. Broad beech ferns can be found in hardwood forests throughout North America. They prefer well-drained soil and thrive in partial to full shade. The fern's tall, graceful foliage makes it a desirable addition to any shade garden. Once established, it is quite hardy and resilient.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Spore Propagation,Root Division

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For best results, water Broad Beech Ferns (Phegopteris hexagonoptera) regularly, about once a week. Depending on weather and environment, between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water per fern is ideal; any more or less can be harmful to the plant. During periods of warmer, drier weather, water more regularly, but during periods of colder, wetter weather, water only every 10 days or so, allowing the ferns to slightly dry out in between waterings. It’s best to water the ferns at a time of day when the sun is not at its strongest, as direct sunlight will cause the water to evaporate quickly, without the ferns getting enough water.

sunlight

Broad beech ferns thrive in part or full shade with dappled sunlight. They prefer 4 to 6 hours of indirect light during the morning or afternoon. Morning sunlight works best. Avoid direct midday sun, as it is too intense and will damage them. If you must provide full sun, move the fern gradually to its preferred spot over a period of a few weeks.

pruning

For the Broad Beech Fern, pruning should be done once a year in the late spring or early summer before the fronds have completely developed. Pruning should only be selective, removing any dead or dying fronds, as well as any fronds that are too close together, at the base of the plant. As a general rule of thumb, no more than 25% of the fronds should be removed in order to maintain the plant’s health.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Broad beech ferns typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Broad beech ferns typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Hardiness Map