CRYPTOGRAMMA (Cryptogram'ma)

DESCRIPTION: These Ferns are deciduous - meaning that they die down in the fall. C. crispa, the European Parsley Fern, forms tufts of bright green fronds. The outer fronds are oval and sterile and divided into toothed sections. It grows from 6 to 9 inches high and spreads 6 to 12 inches. C. crispa acrostichoides, the American Parsley Fern, grows up to 5 feet high and produces finely divided, parsley-like fronds.

POTTING: These Ferns need a cool, moist, sheltered position. The best soil mixture for them is loam and peat with small pieces of sandstone mixed in. These plants are suitable for shady crevices in rocks and the rock garden. They should be planted in the spring just as new growth begins.

PROPAGATION: Sow spores in late summer or lift and divide them in the spring.

VARIETIES: C. crispa; C. crispa acrostichoides.

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