Pteris umbrosa

Jungle Brake Pteridaceae

Pteris umbrosa, the Jungle Brake, is a magnificent Australian fern with an almost tropical swagger. Endemic to eastern Australia, it occurs from the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Queensland southwards through New South Wales to eastern Victoria, inhabiting rainforest, vine forest, damp gullies, rocky slopes and sheltered woodland. Its glossy, dark green fronds are elegantly arching and can become impressively substantial, giving mature plants a distinctly architectural presence.

In cultivation, grow it in partial to full shade, in fertile, humus-rich soil that remains reliably moist but drains freely. Shelter from drying winds is particularly valuable. Despite its exotic appearance, it is considerably tougher than its Australian origins might suggest. In our experience it is H4: a hard winter may completely defrond the plant, but the rhizome remains alive and it regenerates strongly from the base in spring. In milder winters it may retain much of its evergreen character. Give it room, moisture and a little protection, and it makes a superb specimen fern.

Altitude: Lowland to montane
Hardiness: H4, approximately −10 to −5°C
Height: 1–2m
Spread: 1–1.5m

 Photo from stands at Savill Garden