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Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern

Cheilanthes lanosa 'Mighty Tidy'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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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

Dry to medium, well-drained

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Cheilanthes lanosa, the Hairy Lip Fern, is a small, evergreen fern with delicate, finely divided fronds covered in fine hairs, giving it a woolly appearance. It thrives in rocky, well-drained environments. This cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally tidy, compact growth habit and its striking silvery foliage, making it an attractive choice for rock gardens and container planting.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, green foliage that adds texture to shaded gardens.

Helps retain moisture in shaded, moist environments.

Supports habitat for shade-loving insects and small wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores or divisions into moist soil in early spring.
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
Provide shade and avoid direct sunlight for best frond development.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.

Pro Tip

Maintain consistent moisture and shade for lush growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain soil moisture
Prune dead fronds in late winter

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy fertilization that can weaken fronds

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

Shaded woodland borderMoisture-loving garden bedOrnamental shade garden

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Heuchera Ferns Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern questions

What zones can Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern grow in?

Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern 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 Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern bloom?

Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern need full sun?

Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern does best in part shade.

Is Mighty Tidy Hairy Lip Fern drought tolerant?

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