fern

Wright's cliffbrake

Pellaea wrightiana

The Story

Plant Bio

Pellaea wrightiana, or Wright's Cliffbrake, is a small, tufted, evergreen fern. It features wiry, dark stems (stipes) and pinnately compound, blue-green to gray-green fronds. The leaflets (pinnae) are small and leathery, with spores produced along the inrolled margins on the underside.

A highly drought-tolerant (xeric) fern native to rocky crevices and slopes, often on limestone. Its unique blue-green foliage and compact size make it an excellent choice for rock gardens, crevice gardens, and containers in sunny, dry locations.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, evergreen foliage that adds texture to shaded gardens.

Drought-tolerant once established, reducing water needs.

Supports local pollinators and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southwestern United States and Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into moist, well-draining soil in spring
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity
Place in partial shade for optimal growth
Transplant when roots outgrow container, usually after 1 year
Mulch lightly to retain moisture

Pro Tip

Maintain high humidity and avoid direct sunlight for best frond development

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil moist during growing season 🌱
Provide partial shade to prevent leaf scorch
Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Do not expose to full direct sun 🌞
Refrain from fertilizing in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded rock gardenEvergreen border plantMoist woodland garden accent

Companion Plants

Hostas Astilbes Ferns Heucheras Japanese forest grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wright's cliffbrake questions

What zones can Wright's cliffbrake grow in?

Wright's cliffbrake is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Wright's cliffbrake deer resistant?

Yes — Wright's cliffbrake is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Wright's cliffbrake bloom?

Wright's cliffbrake typically blooms in mid-summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Wright's cliffbrake need full sun?

Wright's cliffbrake does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Wright's cliffbrake drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Wright's cliffbrake handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.