Cheilanthes lanosa: Hairy Lip Fern
Hairy Lip Fern
Position
- Bright indirect light to partial shade
- Sheltered from strong winds
- Well-ventilated location
- Rock gardens, walls, or raised beds
- Protected from winter wet
- South or east-facing aspects ideal
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
- Evergreen in sheltered positions
- Needs protection from winter wet
- Best in sheltered microclimate
Soil Type
- Very well-draining, gritty soil
- Sharp sand or fine gravel mix
- Neutral to slightly alkaline pH
- Must have excellent drainage
- Cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions
Soil PH
- Neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Height
- Height: 15-25cm (6-10 inches)
- Spread: 15-20cm (6-8 inches)
- Takes 2-3 years to reach full size
Seasons of Interest
- Evergreen hairy fronds
- Silver-grey new growth in spring
- Mature fronds deep green
- Year-round architectural presence
- No flowers (ornamental fern)
- Distinctive hairy texture
Additional Notes
- Excellent for rock gardens
- Perfect for crevice gardens
- Low maintenance if conditions right
- Suitable for troughs and containers
- Regular inspection needed for rot
- Avoid overhead watering
- Drought tolerant once established
- Does well in urban gardens
- Works well in gravel gardens
- Benefits from stone mulch
- More drought tolerant than most ferns
- Particularly good in well-drained walls
- Creates natural rocky habitat look
- Good for small spaces
- Best grown among rocks
- Needs perfect drainage to thrive
- May need winter protection in wet areas
- Excellent for alpine gardens
- Good companion for succulents
- Adds unique texture to plantings
Cheilanthes lanosa: Hairy Lip Fern
The Hairy Lip Fern brings unique texture and drought tolerance to rock gardens and walls. This distinctive North American native adapts well to challenging conditions in UK gardens.
Physical Characteristics
Cheilanthes lanosa forms compact clumps reaching 15-25cm (6-10 inches) in height. The delicate fronds display fine divisions covered in soft, hairy growth. Each frond maintains an upright to arching form.
Growing Requirements
This specialised fern thrives in bright, indirect light to partial shade. It needs excellent drainage and air circulation. The shallow root system suits rock crevices and wall plantings perfectly.
Seasonal Interest
Spring brings fresh growth as new fronds emerge with silvery hairs. Summer sees the foliage develop a deeper green colour. Winter interest continues with evergreen fronds in sheltered spots.
Garden Uses
The Hairy Lip Fern excels in rock gardens and wall plantings. It creates striking features in gravel gardens and alpine troughs. The compact nature suits small spaces perfectly.
Care and Maintenance
This low-maintenance fern needs specific conditions but minimal attention. Remove damaged fronds as needed throughout the year. Avoid overhead watering to prevent crown rot.
Planting Tips
Plant in spring when soil temperatures warm up. Space plants 15-20cm (6-8 inches) apart to allow for mature spread. Ensure excellent drainage through added grit or gravel.
Soil Requirements
Cheilanthes lanosa requires very well-draining, gritty soil. It grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Adding sharp sand or grit improves drainage significantly.
Companion Plants
This fern pairs beautifully with other rock garden plants. Consider combining with sedums, sempervivums, and small alpine plants. The textural foliage provides excellent contrast.
Container Growing
The Hairy Lip Fern grows successfully in containers. Use shallow, wide pots with extremely good drainage. Protection from winter wet proves essential for container specimens.
Problem Solving
This specialist fern rarely encounters problems if grown in suitable conditions. Crown rot might occur in wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation and sharp drainage.
Climate Tolerance
The Hairy Lip Fern shows good hardiness, withstanding temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). It performs best in sheltered UK gardens with protection from winter wet.
Final Thoughts
Cheilanthes lanosa offers gardeners a distinctive choice for challenging dry spots. Its unique appearance, drought tolerance, and compact nature make it valuable for specific garden settings. This specialist fern brings interesting texture and reliable performance to well-drained locations.
The combination of hairy fronds, drought tolerance, and year-round presence creates lasting appeal. Whether growing in walls, rock gardens, or containers, the Hairy Lip Fern proves itself as a worthy addition to suitable gardens.
The fern’s ability to thrive in dry conditions, combined with its attractive appearance, makes it perfect for specific garden situations. Its presence adds sophistication and interest to areas where many ferns would struggle.
Check out the RHS article here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Cheilanthes lanosa grow?
A: Cheilanthes lanosa typically reaches a height of 15-25cm (6-10 inches). Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small spaces and rock gardens.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for this fern?
A: This fern thrives in bright, indirect light to partial shade. It requires excellent drainage and good air circulation to prevent problems.
Q: How hardy is the Hairy Lip Fern?
A: This fern withstands temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). It performs best in sheltered areas with protection from excess winter moisture.
Q: What type of soil does it prefer?
A: Cheilanthes lanosa requires very well-draining, gritty soil. It grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, benefiting from added sharp sand or grit.
Q: Does it need much maintenance?
A: Once established, the Hairy Lip Fern requires minimal maintenance. Remove any damaged fronds as needed and avoid overhead watering to prevent crown rot.
Q: Can I grow it in pots?
A: Yes, this fern grows well in containers. Use shallow pots with excellent drainage and ensure protection from winter wet to maintain health.
Q: What plants pair well with Cheilanthes lanosa?
A: This fern works beautifully alongside other rock garden plants. Consider including sedums, sempervivums, and small alpine species for a varied texture.
Q: How often should I water it?
A: Water the Hairy Lip Fern regularly during dry spells. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings to maintain optimal health and prevent rot.
Q: What should I do if it shows signs of rot?
A: If you notice rot, improve the drainage and reduce watering. Remove any affected fronds to promote healthier growth and air circulation.
Q: Is it suitable for full sun?
A: Cheilanthes lanosa prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Full sun can lead to drying out, so avoid intense afternoon sun exposure.