Adiantum aleuticum Miss Sharples

Adiantum aleuticum 'Miss Sharples' is a perennial native to the Aleutian Islands. It can be found in moist rocky slopes, especially near waterfalls. Obviously, these conditions are quite rare in our gardens! In our latitudes, it will easily thrive in a cool shade in the understory, with a moist and rather acidic soil. Its magnificent delicate light green foliage contrasts with the deep black of its veins and reacts to the slightest breeze.

Don't be fooled by its fragile appearance, 'Miss Sharples' is a hardy fern. Its cousins can withstand temperatures of -30°C (1°F) in their native habitat. Of course, in our gardens, this cultivar will tolerate frost down to -15°C. A thick layer of leaves will help it withstand the cold even better. You can leave its dried foliage in place. In spring, its fronds will unfurl from its rhizomatous stump and reach a height of 30cm (12in). They will spread in all directions and be covered in multiple tight cuneate leaflets, forming a dense spreading ground cover of 40cm (16in) in width. The visual effect is guaranteed, especially since the rachises are very dark, accentuating this fireworks display.

The capillaries are very elegant ferns. They can be planted in a shaded bed with Epimedium, Polygonatum, and Lily of the Valley, for example, but also in a woodland rockery with primroses. Their grace and lightness will complement robust Hostas, and their brightness will contrast with dark Heucheras.