Blechnum spicant
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking year-round texture in shaded beds.
This exceptional deer fern, Blechnum spicant, features two distinct sets of fronds, offering year-round visual appeal. It produces stiff, leathery, dark green sterile fronds that form an evergreen rosette close to the ground, providing winter interest. Rising vertically from the center are fertile fronds that eventually wither by summer's end. This plant is excellent for adding fine, contrasting texture when paired with bold shade lovers like hostas and hydrangeas. It is naturally resistant to both deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for shaded borders and beds.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1787
/ 3268
#1787 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-10%
Below average
SKU
27920
Who it's for
- Landscapers filling dark, moist, and challenging garden corners
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer populations
- Gardeners seeking winter interest in dormant landscapes
Who should skip it
- Impatient landscapers wanting immediate, dense groundcover results
- People with sunny garden beds lacking shaded spots
- Gardeners in regions prone to drought or intense heat
Performance breakdown
Winter Visual Interest
Evergreen sterile fronds maintain garden structure long after other plants fade.
Pest Resistance
Reliable defense against deer and rabbits keeps maintenance requirements impressively low.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle to survive.
Texture Contrast
Fine fronds create a sophisticated visual balance against broad-leafed shade companions.
Growth Habit
Compact, mound-shaped form fits perfectly into tight borders and container arrangements.
Hardiness Range
Reliable performance across zones five through eight for most temperate climates.
Key Specs
SKU
27920
Item Form
1-Gallon
Foliage Color
Medium Green
Mature Height
2 Feet
Mature Width
2 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 8
Shipping Restrictions
GU, HI, ID, PR, VI
Sun Exposure Requirement
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Features
- Features two distinct frond types: evergreen sterile fronds and upright fertile fronds
- Sterile fronds provide excellent evergreen winter interest
- Adds fine, contrasting texture to shade gardens
- Mound-shaped growth habit
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Blechnum spicant upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the plants are robust, well packaged, and establish quickly, highlighting excellent reliability in various garden settings. The fern’s ability to maintain its deep green color and vigorous growth throughout the season is a major selling point. While some wish the initial size was larger, the overall consensus confirms this fern is a dependable, high quality addition to shade gardens, offering lasting visual appeal and minimal fuss.
Know before you buy
Blechnum spicant produces sterile, leathery fronds that stay low to the ground and remain green throughout the winter. The fertile fronds are thinner and grow vertically from the center, eventually dying back once the season ends.
Yes, provided you are located in hardiness zones 5 through 8. The sterile fronds are evergreen, meaning they will maintain their color and structure through the colder months.
This plant is best suited for partial to full shade environments. It is an ideal choice for filling in darker corners of your landscape where sun-loving plants struggle.
Yes, the deer fern is naturally resistant to both deer and rabbits. Its leathery texture makes it unappealing to these animals, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing.
Since this fern reaches a mature width of 2 feet, you should space them at least 2 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and to accommodate their mound-shaped growth habit.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$25