Paesia scaberula: Lace Fern (Ring Fern)

Paesia scaberula, known as Lace Fern, Ring Fern, or Scented Fern, is a delicate, creeping, deciduous fern native to New Zealand. It forms a loose, spreading mat of finely divided, lacy, pale green fronds that are triangular in outline. The fronds are glandular-hairy and emit a distinctive sweet, hay-like fragrance when crushed or bruised. It spreads by long, slender rhizomes.

Plant Profile

Lace Fern prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. It can tolerate more sun if kept consistently moist. It spreads to form a beautiful, soft groundcover in woodland gardens. The fragrance is a delightful bonus. It is frost-tender and best suited to mild climates (USDA 9+) or as a conservatory plant. A lovely textural plant for sensory gardens.