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This deciduous fern will slowly spread by underground rhizomes to form low clumps of finely divided green leaves which look like they have been heavily dusted with silver. The beautiful colouring is made even more dramatic by the dark marron midribs. The colour is best in spring especially when planted in partial shade. Provided it gets reliable moisture it is very easy to grow in neutral to acidic soils. Use it as underplanting in a woodland garden where it will naturalise well or leave it to spill over the edges of a shady path.

• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. In cold areas in late autumn protect the crown of the plant with a dry mulch of straw or bracken.