Onychium japonicum 'Sichuan Lace'

Onychium 'Sichuan Lace' is a 2005 Plant Delights/JLBG introduction of a Hans Hansen spore collection from Ping Wu, China at 3,800' elevation. One of the finest ferns we grow, this selection of cat's claw fern has been exceedingly vigorous for us in both full sun and shade. The 30" long tardily deciduous fronds arise in spring from a slowly creeping rhizome that makes a 4' wide clump in 6 years. Each frond resembles an extraordinarily lacy rabbit's foot fern...the most exquisite green lace that you can imagine. In the wild it grows on rocky cliffs to 9,000', yet tolerates baking sun in our heat and humidity without a blink. We have had reports of this thriving in Zone 6b, so it's worth trying in colder regions.

Do not be fooled by the delicate appearance of this fern's fronds. It is a strong grower in a wide range of conditions from dry shade to wet sun. A very beautiful fern that does not need to be fawned over.

Its lacy fronds are a nice contrast to the broad foliage of Aspidistra and Hosta. New fronds are produced all through the growing season so a clump of this fern looks fresh all summer.

Remove the old foliage before new growth starts in spring, or sooner if it has become unsightly. It is tardily deciduous.