Hardy Ribbon Fern Lepisorus bicolor

The hardy ribbon fern is an evergreen, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial fern in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). It is native to the Himalayan region of Asia but is widely cultivated as an ornamental. The species epithet means “two colored” and refers to the mixture of brown and black scales on the rhizome.

It prefers moist, humus-rich soil in part shade to shade. It tolerates moisture well but needs good drainage. This fern grows outside in hardiness Zones 8 or higher. It can be a houseplant in cooler climates.

It is a slow-growing fern that spreads by rhizomes and will form a clump in two or three years of about 2 to 3 feet across. It grows 12 to 16 inches high and has a distinguishing polka-a-dot sori pattern that extends from the leaf tip down to the center of the leaf back.

Use as a ground cover, in a container, a terrarium or as a house plant in cooler climates. It can grow along streams or beside ponds in shaded areas or in moist crevices.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or pest issues.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.