Also known as Cliffbrake · 64 gardener saves
Pellaea: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Pellaea, the genus most gardeners know as cliffbrake. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Pellaea varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedWright's cliffbrake
Pellaea wrightiana
#2 most savedPurple Cliffbrake
Pellaea atropurpurea
#3 most savedOvate-leaf Cliffbrake 'Longhorn Caverns'
Pellaea ovata 'Longhorn Caverns'
McLear Fern
Pellaea viridis 'McLear'
Green Cliff Brake
Pellaea viridis 'Stutterheim'
Green Cliffbrake
Pellaea viridis 'Boasberg Mountain Form'
Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
How to grow Pellaea
What the Pellaea varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Pellaea year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March86% of varieties
Remove any old, damaged, or brown fronds before new growth begins
- MulchMarch and April71% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch to keep roots cool and moist
- PlantMarch, April, September and October71% of varieties
Plant in well-draining soil in spring or early fall
- DivideMarch and September57% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if overcrowded or to propagate
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mist regularly to increase humidity
- Provide partial shade during hot afternoons
- Mulch to conserve soil moisture
- Keep soil moist during growing season 🌱
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight ❌
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Pellaea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Distorted, sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on fronds | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and brown roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on fronds | Remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation |
| Fungal rot | Brown, soft patches on roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Pellaea
Spores
- Collect spores in late summer or fall
- Sprinkle spores onto moist, sterile soil
- Maintain high humidity for 4-6 weeks
- Keep soil moist and indirect light
Division
- Divide rhizomes in early spring
- Plant divisions in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Pellaea questions
How many types of Pellaea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Pellaea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 64 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Pellaea grow in?
Across its varieties, Pellaea covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pellaea bloom?
Most Pellaea varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pellaea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Pellaea in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
