Neolepisorus fortunei

Fortune's Ribbon Fern Polypodiaceae

A handsome evergreen fern from China, Taiwan and the Himalaya, Neolepisorus fortunei is one of those plants that manages to look distinctly exotic without behaving like a prima donna. It forms a compact clump of arching, leathery fronds, divided into numerous attractive pinnae, giving it a pleasingly architectural character.

Naturally found in moist, shaded woodland, rocky ravines and stream margins, it enjoys humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil and shelter from drying winds. It makes an excellent choice for shady plantings where its persistent foliage provides structure and a touch of the subtropical.

There is a pleasing piece of collecting history attached to the name: Robert Fortune collected the original material, numbered 18, at Putuo Shan, Zhejiang, China, in 1848. It subsequently became the basis for T. Moore’s description of the species.

Hardiness: H4, approximately −10 to −5°C
Height: 45–60cm
Spread: 45–60cm

Taxonomic footnote: The name Neolepisorus fortunei is still widely encountered in horticulture and fern literature, but is currently treated by Kew’s Plants of the World Online as a synonym of Lepisorus fortunei.