McLear Fern
Pellaea viridis 'McLear'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
9
Water
Prefers moist soil
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Africa
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Pellaea viridis 'McLear' is a compact, evergreen fern with delicate, bright green fronds that form dense clumps, creating a lush, textured ground cover or container plant. This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant foliage color and its excellent drought tolerance, making it suitable for shaded, well-drained locations with minimal watering.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or small plants into shaded, moist soil
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Mist fronds to increase humidity during dry spells
- Mulch with organic material to retain moisture
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring
- Transplant to a shaded area if needed after establishment
Pro Tip
Maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Place in shaded or partial shade areas
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide in early spring for propagation
- Mist fronds to boost humidity
Don't
- Avoid direct harsh sunlight ☀️
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
- Do not disturb roots unnecessarily
- Keep away from salty soils
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
McLear Fern questions
What zones can McLear Fern grow in?
McLear Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is McLear Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse McLear Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does McLear Fern bloom?
McLear Fern typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does McLear Fern need full sun?
McLear Fern does best in part shade.
Is McLear Fern drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), McLear Fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Pellaea to compare
Wright's cliffbrake
Pellaea wrightiana
Purple Cliffbrake
Pellaea atropurpurea
Ovate-leaf Cliffbrake 'Longhorn Caverns'
Pellaea ovata 'Longhorn Caverns'
Green Cliff Brake
Pellaea viridis 'Stutterheim'
Green Cliffbrake
Pellaea viridis 'Boasberg Mountain Form'
Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
Keep exploring
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Grow McLear Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
