Pteris nipponica (syn. P. cretica 'Albolineata')

 Variegated Cretan Brake Pteridaceae

Pteris nipponica, the white-striped Cretan brake, is an elegant evergreen fern with a slightly confusing botanical past. Native to China, Taiwan and Japan, it produces erect to arching fronds to around 45cm, each divided into narrow pinnae marked by a broad, creamy-white central stripe. The effect is rather like someone has run a paintbrush down each leaflet—and fortunately remembered to stay within the lines.

Grow it in partial to full shade, preferably in a sheltered position, with fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It appreciates leaf mould and protection from drying winds. In mild parts of Britain it can successfully overwinter outside, although exposed or colder gardens may need additional protection. In our experience, H3 is a much more useful assessment of its garden performance than the RHS’s conservative H1C rating. 

Altitude: Up to approximately 1,200m
Hardiness: H3, approximately −5 to 1°C
Height: 40–60cm
Spread: 40–60cm