Blechnum brasiliense ‘Volcano’

Description

Blechnum brasiliense ‘Volcano’ is a wonderful mini tree-fern-like fern from (as you’ve probably already gleaned) Brazil, grown in the mountain regions right through to Peru.  

With long, slender pinnate freshly green leaves up to 1m long and a slender trunk to around 30cm, Blechnum brasiliense is impressive in its own right. This form ‘Volcano’ has the most gorgeous pink/salmon to deep red new growth creating an amazing, spectacular display during the growing season, spring to mid-summer.

For me, Blechnum brasiliense ‘Volcano’ would easily be in my top 10 but for the fact that despite what you may have heard, this fern is not reliably hardy, tolerating just -3° C given perfect conditions, humus rich moist but free-draining soil and shelter from wind and strong sun.

It does redeem itself by being fast growing and happy outside during the warmer months but for us here at Big Plant Nursery we recommend finding a sheltered cool shady spot indoors or a conservatory maybe for the winter.

So to summarise a really beautiful large fern suitable for outdoor cultivationduring much of the year but requiring protection from freezing.

I recommend growing in a container, repotting regularly into an ericaceous compost and feeding with seaweed fertiliser from April to August.

I know there will be folk who say ‘I’ve had mine outside for years’ and what I say is just my opinion based on experience but…you have been warned.