Myriopteris myriophylla, sometimes known as the many-leaved lip fern, is an attractive, finely textured fern native to Mexico and Central and South America. Its arching, finely divided fronds are composed of numerous tiny leaflets, creating a delicate, lace-like appearance. The fronds have a distinctive silvery to brownish scaling along their undersides and stems, adding an interesting contrast to the green foliage. Naturally found growing in rocky crevices and exposed slopes, this is an excellent choice for a sheltered rock garden, crevice garden or alpine trough. Best grown in a sharply drained, gritty mineral soil with good light and protection from excessive winter moisture. Allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings, particularly during cooler months.
In cultivation, M. myriophylla requires sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soil in sun to part shade. Fully hardy to USDA zone 5 if kept dry in winter, it is nearly maintenance-free once established, relying on its natural adaptation of going dormant in drought and reviving at the return of moisture.
Still rare in gardens, Myriopteris myriophylla offers rock gardeners a fascinating study in survival—an authentic fern of the desert that combines elegance, drought tolerance, and the magic of resurrection. Hardy to around zone 9, this will need protection in Northern tier gardens. Perhaps a good candidate for a trough or container under an eave where you can keep it drier in the winter.
Myriopteris myriophylla, sometimes known as the many-leaved lip fern, is an attractive, finely textured fern native to Mexico and Central and South America. Its arching, finely divided fronds are composed of numerous tiny leaflets, creating a delicate, lace-like appearance. The fronds have a distinctive silvery to brownish scaling along their undersides and stems, adding an interesting contrast to the green foliage. Naturally found growing in rocky crevices and exposed slopes, this is an excellent choice for a sheltered rock garden, crevice garden or alpine trough. Best grown in a sharply drained, gritty mineral soil with good light and protection from excessive winter moisture. Allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings, particularly during cooler months.
In cultivation, M. myriophylla requires sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soil in sun to part shade. Fully hardy to USDA zone 5 if kept dry in winter, it is nearly maintenance-free once established, relying on its natural adaptation of going dormant in drought and reviving at the return of moisture.
Still rare in gardens, Myriopteris myriophylla offers rock gardeners a fascinating study in survival—an authentic fern of the desert that combines elegance, drought tolerance, and the magic of resurrection. Hardy to around zone 9, this will need protection in Northern tier gardens. Perhaps a good candidate for a trough or container under an eave where you can keep it drier in the winter.
