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Arborvitae Fern

Name: Arborvitae Fern
Brand: Selaginella
Availability: InStock

Selaginella braunii

$24.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

18 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Selaginella, or spike moss, is a genus of primitive vascular plants that are considered fern allies. They reproduce by spores and typically thrive in moist, shady environments. Selaginella braunii is a hardy, clump-forming species with finely textured, dark green fronds that resemble tiny arborvitae branches. It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form a lush groundcover and is semi-evergreen.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The delicate, lacy texture of its fronds provides a soft, elegant look in shade gardens. It creates a beautiful, weed-suppressing groundcover with a unique appearance that contrasts well with broad-leaved plants like hostas.

It is an excellent solution for difficult, moist, shady areas where many other plants fail to thrive. Once established, it forms a dense mat that requires very little maintenance.

The dense foliage provides a cool, moist microclimate at the ground level, offering habitat for small amphibians, insects, and other invertebrates. It is also resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plant Delights Nursery

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$24.00

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$34.50

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in partial to full shade.
Amend the soil with plenty of compost or leaf mold for richness.
Ensure the site stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Dig a hole and plant at the same depth as it was in the container.
Water well after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch with shredded leaves to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

This plant thrives on neglect in the right spot; provide consistent moisture and rich soil, and it will form a beautiful, maintenance-free colony.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistently moist soil.
Plant in a shady, protected location.
Amend soil with organic matter.
Allow it to naturalize in a woodland setting.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in direct, hot sun which will scorch the foliage.
Don't plant in poor, infertile soil.
Avoid windy, exposed sites.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Lush, textural groundcover for shade gardensElegant companion for hostas and helleboresPerfect for moist, woodland settings

Companion Plants

Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Astilbe chinensis 'Visions' Helleborus orientalis Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Arborvitae Fern questions

What zones can Arborvitae Fern grow in?

Arborvitae Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Arborvitae Fern deer resistant?

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

When does Arborvitae Fern bloom?

Arborvitae Fern typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Arborvitae Fern need full sun?

Arborvitae Fern does best in part shade.