Blechnum gibbum ‘Silver Lady’

Although one of the English common names for the humped bladderwort is Silver Lady, a cultivar bearing this name has been distributed quite widely in North America among tree fern enthusiasts. Silver Lady’ has a highly original shape that sets it apart from other ferns: this particular habit belongs to the group of shrub ferns known as “badminton shuttlecocks”, probably because its fronds form a kind of vase. The fronds of this selection are lightly tinged with silver, as the cultivar’s name suggests.

This fern can reach 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft.) in height and width, if grown as an annual. For rapid growth, it should be placed in light, slightly acidic soil, rich in humus. A spot that receives morning sun and becomes shady from 11 a.m. is ideal.