Fern
Coniogramme emeiensis
Emei bamboo fern
An elegant, clump-forming fern with broad, glossy, bamboo-like divided fronds.
- Partial shade
- 0.6–1 m (2–3 ft)
- 60–90 cm (24–35 in)
- H4 · Zone 7
- Deciduous
Overview
Native to China, this handsome fern produces upright fronds divided into broad, glossy, lance-shaped segments that resemble bamboo foliage rather than a typical fern. Unlike many ferns it tolerates a reasonable amount of sun if the soil stays moist, and it forms a slowly expanding clump in a sheltered, humus-rich border.
At a Glance
Sun
Partial shade
Height
0.6–1 m (2–3 ft)
Spread
60–90 cm (24–35 in)
Hardiness
H4 · Zone 7
Soil
Loam
Habit
Clump forming, Upright
Water
Moderate
Maintenance
Easy
Growing Conditions
Min. Temperature
-10°C (14°F)
pH Range
5.5–7
Fertility
Fertile
Aspect Suitability
- North-facing
- East-facing
Site Tolerance
- Wet soil
Soil Tolerance
- Loam
- Acid
- Neutral pH
Foliage
Persistence
Deciduous
Colour
Green
Leaf shape / texture
lanceolate_pinnate
- Architectural foliage
Foliage interest: April–October
Seasonal Timeline
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Foliage
Propagate
- Foliage Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
- Propagate Mar Apr
Maintenance Calendar
- Mar Cut back old fronds before new growth emerges
- Apr Divide congested clumps if needed
- Jun Keep soil reliably moist through summer
- Sep Mulch with leaf mould in autumn
- Nov Remove collapsed fronds after the first hard frost
Garden Design
Works well in: Contemporary, Woodland
Use as an unusual foliage accent in a shaded or lightly sunny border with reliably moist, fertile soil, sheltered from strong wind.
Companion planting: Hostas, Japanese maples, Woodland ferns
Wildlife Value
- Shelter
Safety
No well-established toxicity; not for eating.