Five Finger Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum aleuticum 'Five Finger'
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Groundcover, Container Friendly, and Non-invasive
Specifications
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Height
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Width
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Growing Zones
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Growth RateModerate
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Leaf Color
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NativeYes
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT
Planting & Care Instructions
Planting & Care Instructions
Growing Zones 3-8
Five Finger Maidenhair Fern – Elegance For Shady Gardens
Five Finger Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aleuticum 'Five Finger') is a delicate yet hardy fern known for its fan-shaped fronds and striking black stems. Its light, airy foliage gives it a unique elegance that makes it a favorite for woodland gardens and shady borders.
The name "Five Finger" comes from its distinctive fronds that radiate like fingers from a central point, adding texture and charm to any shady landscape. This native Fern cultivar thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is perfect for creating a natural, serene feel in the garden.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Foliage: Light green, fan-shaped fronds with slender black stems
- Mature Height: 12 to 24 inches
- Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3–8
- Native Plant: Ideal for naturalistic and woodland landscapes
- Low Maintenance: Requires little attention once established
Landscaping With Five Finger Maidenhair Fern
Five Finger Maidenhair Fern is a stunning addition to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and moist garden beds. Its soft, lacy foliage contrasts beautifully with bold-leaved plants like Hostas or shade-loving perennials like Astilbes.
Plant it in drifts or clusters for a naturalistic effect, or use it as an accent in both rock gardens and around water features. Its upright yet graceful habit makes it an elegant choice for any shaded setting.
- Woodland and shade gardens
- Shady borders and foundation plantings
- Groundcover for moist areas
- Edging around ponds, Rain Gardens, and water gardens
Five Finger Maidenhair Fern Care & Maintenance
Easy to grow and resilient, Five Finger Maidenhair Fern thrives in the right conditions. Ferns are unique plants with a curious lifecycle and are a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial plant.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; avoid overly dry conditions
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Light: Partial to full shade for best results
- Fertilizer: Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring if necessary
- Pruning: Trim old or damaged fronds in early spring to promote fresh growth
- Spacing: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for a full, lush appearance
Elegant Shade Garden Finery
Five Finger Maidenhair Fern is a graceful, versatile fern that brings light, airy texture to shady gardens. Its elegant fronds and contrasting black stems make it a standout plant for naturalistic landscapes and shade borders. Easy to grow and full of charm, this Fern is a must-have for creating a tranquil, woodland-inspired garden! Order now at Nature Hills Nursery!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Five Finger Maidenhair Fern unique?
Its fan-shaped fronds and glossy black stems create a soft, cascading look that’s both delicate and striking.
How tall does it grow?
It typically reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches, making it ideal for ground cover or mid-level planting in shaded borders.
Does it require a lot of water?
Yes, this fern thrives in moist soil, but it doesn’t like standing water. Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Can it tolerate full shade?
Absolutely! Partial to full shade is ideal for Five Finger Maidenhair Fern. It performs well even in deep shade.
Is it deer-resistant?
Yes, Five Finger Maidenhair Fern is generally deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens with frequent wildlife visitors.
