Eaton's lip fern
Cheilanthes eatonii
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Cheilanthes eatonii, or Eaton's lip fern, is a small, drought-tolerant, evergreen fern. Its fronds are covered in woolly hairs and scales, giving it a distinct texture and helping it conserve moisture. This fern is notable for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in rocky, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and challenging garden conditions.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores into moist soil in spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 4 weeks after planting.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Provide partial shade during hottest months.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture.
- Divide clumps in early spring every 3-4 years.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Provide partial shade in summer
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun
- Skip well-draining soil
- Ignore pest issues
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| 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
Eaton's lip fern questions
What zones can Eaton's lip fern grow in?
Eaton's lip fern is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Eaton's lip fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Eaton's lip fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Eaton's lip fern bloom?
Eaton's lip fern typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Eaton's lip fern need full sun?
Eaton's lip fern does best in part shade.
Is Eaton's lip fern drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Eaton's lip fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Cheilanthes to compare
Hairy Lip Fern
Cheilanthes lanosa
Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern
Cheilanthes lanosa 'Mighty Tidy'
Woolly Lip Fern
Cheilanthes tomentosa
Andean Lip Fern
Cheilanthes myriophylla
Lasiophylla Fern
Cheilanthes lasiophylla
Wright's lip fern
Cheilanthes wrightii
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Eaton's lip 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.
