Botanical name:

Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi (Cheilanthes bumilis)

Common name(s):

Rock fern

About:

This is the more common species of Cheilanthes found throughout New Zealand, specifically located in eastern regions spanning from North Cape all the way down to Otago, where it typically grows to a height of about 45cm. The deep green leaflets are characterised by their distinctive rolled-back margins, lending the plant an attractive appearance. This species shares similar cultural requirements with C. distans, making it relatively easy to cultivate in appropriate conditions.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane in dry, rocky habitats with only sparse or no vegetation cover. Often found growing with Pellaea calidirupium. More common in the drier eastern parts of the country.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North & South Islands. Also Australia and New Caledonia

Height: 45cm

Flowering: N/A Spore producing

Fruiting: N/A

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Container friendly

How to grow:

Easily grown in a dry sunny site. An excellent pot plant. In ideal conditions it soon self establishes.