Brittle bladder fern
Cystopteris fragilis
Brittle bladder fern prefers cool, shaded spots with consistently moist, humus-rich soil — ideal for woodland or shaded rock garden settings. Avoid direct sun exposure, as its delicate fronds scorch easily. It is a low-maintenance fern once established in the right environment and goes dormant in winter, re-emerging reliably each spring.
Care Level
Moderate
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Mature Height
12″ – 36″
Soil
loam
Life Cycle
Perennial
Spacing
12″
Watering Schedule
Every 5-7 Days • Keep Soil Consistently Moist But Not Waterlogged; Water Thoroughly When The Top Inch Feels Dry
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Temperature
-50° – 85°F
Mature Spread
up to 24″
Root Depth
Medium
Foliage
Medium
Propagation: Seed
Native to
Sources
Data: trefle, usda
Image: trefle.io — Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
No nurseries currently have this species in stock.