Species

2 other cultivars

fern

Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake

Pellaea viridis 'Stutterheim'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pellaea viridis 'Stutterheim' is a compact, evergreen fern with delicate, bright green fronds that are typically pinnate and arching, forming a lush ground cover or decorative element in shaded areas.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vigorous growth habit and its ability to tolerate drier conditions than many other Pellaea species, making it suitable for diverse shaded environments.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, green texture to shaded garden areas, evergreen year-round.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil, ideal for shaded spots.

Provides habitat and food for native insects and birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

6 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moist, well-drained soil

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southern Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into moist soil in spring
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Mist fronds regularly to increase humidity
Place in partial shade for best growth
Transplant when established, after 6 weeks
Mulch lightly to retain moisture

Pro Tip

Maintain high humidity and avoid direct sunlight for lush foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain soil moisture
Provide partial shade for optimal growth

Don't

Avoid direct harsh sunlight ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Skip overwatering in winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist garden bedEvergreen foliage accent

Companion Plants

Hostas Astilbes Japanese forest grass Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake questions

What zones can Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake grow in?

Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake 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 Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake bloom?

Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake 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 Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake need full sun?

Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake does best in part shade.

Is Stutterheim Green Cliff Brake drought tolerant?

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