Ferns

These hardy ferns were transported on steamships from Australia to England to feed the Victorian ‘fern craze’ which was coined Pteridomania.

Adiantum Raddianum (Maidenhair Fern)

Each frond bears small, delicate, apple-green leaves held on contrasting dark stems and the plant has an elegant, arching shape. It’s also known as Venus hair fern or Delta hair fern and is sometimes sold as Adiantum rubellum or Adiantum cuneatum. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek word ‘adiantos’, which means ‘unwetted’ – water rolls off the leaves.

Dicksonia Antarctica Fern (Tasmanian Tree Fern)

An evergreen tree fern, but deciduous in colder areas, growing slowly to 4m in height, with a stout reddish-brown stem and a terminal rosette of arching, deeply divided, glossy dark green fronds to 3m in length.

Ambassador

Award-winning gardener and influencer Jane Porter is our ferns ambassador. Her knowledge, passion and generosity have contributed to this stunning Wardian Case and our Botany 2024 programming.