When is a fern not a fern?

That's the phrase that caught my eye when I saw this charmer on the Far Reaches Farm website last year. Pteridophyllum racemosum is a Japanese plant that looks like a fern that flowers.

It made it through its first winter and bloomed! I am thrilled as it is even lovelier in person than on-line.

I planted it by this mossy grindstone thinking that the growing conditions would be right; but it turned out to be the perfect photo backdrop as well. Far Reaches is not offering this plant at the moment, so I am even more pleased that I splurged last year. 

Comments

[Kris P]

A blooming fern = nirvana!

[Nell]

Fantastic plant, fantastic photo!

I wonder if the Pteridophyllum's resemblance to a fern was an evolutionary advantage, preventing its being eaten.

Far Reaches Farm has just recently become a botanical conservancy. Their nursery offerings are full of temptations even for someone as hardened against plant lust as me. I'd definitely advise anyone who sees something there they can't live without to get it while it's in stock; you likely won't find it elsewhere, and probably not the next ordering cycle, either.

[rusty duck]

Wow!

[Linda Brazill]

You’re right. They have have great plants but they disappear quickly.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

This is amazing. I hope the bees find it and it doubles for you next year. She is a beauty.

[Peter/Outlaw]

It's a great plant & I'm so happy you have one. Perfect location too!

[Linda from Each Little World]

Even thought they were pricey, I bought three of them. One died, one survived and the one in the photo thrived. The survivor is going to get moved to join the one doing so well. Clearly that is the best location.

[Linda from Each Little World]

I'm thrilled it made it through the winter so I think it should be able to settle in and grow.

[Barbara H.]

Love it!

[Denise]

Last friday I bought one of these. It was expensive and probably won't survive my dry sandy soil. But I couldn't resist it.

[Linda from Each Little World]

I bought three of them and you are right that they are pricey. But what a lovely little treasure. Two survived and I am keeping a marker where the third one was planted in hopes it is taking a year off!