Arachniodes standishii

Arachniodes standishii is known as the upside-down fern. It is a perennial, so it lives for years. Kew gives its native range as Japan and Korea’s Jeju Island. North Carolina State and Chicago Botanic Garden also list China. It grows in mountain woods with shade and moist soil. Gardeners grow it for its fine leaves, not flowers.

The plant forms clumps and spreads slowly through rhizomes, or creeping stems. Its fronds arch to form a low, spreading shape. North Carolina State gives a height of 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 metres]. The RHS lists heights up to 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Reported garden spreads range from 1–4 feet [0.3–1.2 metres]. The RHS says it takes five to ten years to reach full size. North Carolina State rates its growth as medium. Chicago says its slow spread makes it easy to control.

The green fronds have many fine parts and a soft outline. Their broad shape ranges from egg-shaped to a triangle. North Carolina State notes a twist in the stipe, or leaf stalk. This turns the upper face down. Chicago notes raised ribs on the frond face in view. These traits explain the fern’s odd common name. Sources differ on how long the leaves last. The RHS calls it evergreen. North Carolina State calls it semi-evergreen. Chicago says the leaves last well into winter. It has no flowers or fruit. It makes spores to form new plants.

Grow this fern in part to deep shade. Keep the soil moist throughout, but let excess water drain. Both the RHS and North Carolina State list acid or neutral soil. The RHS lists loam and clay as soil types that suit it. Choose a site with shelter, not an exposed spot. North Carolina State says it can cope with brief wet spells. Both American sources list USDA zones 4–8. The RHS gives it the UK hardiness rating H5.

Use it in shaded borders, woodland beds, or pots. It also suits rock gardens and informal cottage gardens. Its fine leaves contrast with plants that have broader leaves. The RHS suggests growing it beneath roses and shrubs. North Carolina State notes that it resists deer and heavy shade. The RHS reports few problems with pests or disease. You need not prune it as a rule. You may remove dead or damaged fronds. To grow more plants, divide clumps or sow spores.