Blechnum penna-marina

This fern is native to Chile and adjacent areas of Argentina but also found in Australia and some Pacific islands. It is a top rated garden plant that slowly creeps to fill cracks and crevices between paving stones or rockery walls. It can also be used as a small-scale groundcover. New fronds emerge in the spring copper red and gradually fade to rich green. Grows best in moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate sandy soils or clay. Provide light to dappled shade and occasional watering during dry weather. Cut it to the ground in late winter to gain the full effect of the colourful spring growth.