Purple Cliffbrake
Pellaea atropurpurea
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
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
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.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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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
Companion Plants
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.
More Pellaea to compare
Wright's cliffbrake
Pellaea wrightiana
Ovate-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
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Grow Purple Cliffbrake 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.
