fern

Purple Cliffbrake

Pellaea atropurpurea

The Story

Plant Bio

Pellaea atropurpurea, commonly known as purple cliffbrake, is a compact, evergreen fern with dark green, pinnate fronds that display a striking purple hue on the leafstalks and undersides, thriving in rocky, well-drained soils.

This fern is notable for its vibrant purple coloration, which adds ornamental appeal, and its ability to tolerate drought and poor soils, making it well-suited for rock gardens and xeriscaping.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, dark purple foliage that enhances shaded areas.

Drought-tolerant and evergreen, reducing garden maintenance.

Supports shade-loving insects and offers habitat for small wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into well-draining soil in early spring
Mist cuttings or spores regularly to maintain humidity
Place in partial shade with indirect light
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Transplant once established, usually after 6 weeks
Mulch lightly to retain moisture

Pro Tip

Maintain high humidity and indirect light for best growth

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil moist 🌱
Provide shade during hottest part of the day
Mist regularly to increase humidity

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady woodland borderVertical accent in shaded garden beds

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple Cliffbrake questions

What zones can Purple Cliffbrake grow in?

Purple Cliffbrake is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple Cliffbrake deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Cliffbrake, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Purple Cliffbrake bloom?

Purple Cliffbrake 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 Purple Cliffbrake need full sun?

Purple Cliffbrake does best in part shade.

Is Purple Cliffbrake drought tolerant?

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