Angiopteris evecta

[Eric in Orlando]

Here is our Angiopteris evecta, King Fern or Mule's Foot Fern. This is a giant species that can get fronds up to 20ft long and a pseudotrunk 3-5 ft. tall. It is also one of the most primitive of all ferns.

[Gonzer]

Very cool Plant Eric. How old is that darn mule?

[Tyrone]

I've got two in deep shade planted next to my fishpond which get flooded when it overflows. They are a beautiful fern.

regards

Tyrone

[Eric in Orlando]

(Gonzer @ Feb. 27 2008,17:05)

QUOTE

Very cool Plant Eric. How old is that darn mule?

Its about 10 years old, was in a 3 gal. pot when planted in Oct. 1997.

[Gonzer]

Thanks Eric. The base looks quite sturdy.

[Justin]

How does it perform in Mediterranean climates?

[LJG]

(Justin @ Feb. 29 2008,20:31)

QUOTE

How does it perform in Mediterranean climates?

Nope.

[Peter]

Barbara Hoshizaki has a nice one in Los Angeles, as well as another Angiopteris sp. which I can't remember the name of.

[LJG]

Hi Peter,

I am just starting to get into Ferns. So I am learning what I can. The only garden that I have seen Angiopteris  in here in SoCal is Mardy's. But as you know, it is a one and a million set up. Even on hot, dry days, the area he has most his ferns in is still cooler and humid. I have heard this is just not a good SoCal fern. So when you said another person has it in there garden, it got me thinking...

Where is Barbara's garden? Close to the coast? Also, does she have some special watering setup?

From what I understand is that most the really nice tropical ferns can handle a brief freeze. The real issue is drying out and the Santa Anas.

[Peter]

Len,

Barbara is one of the country's leading fern experts, and in fact has written several books.  She is in almost downtown LA, with a moderate climate.  Her 2 Angiopteris are growing outside, but in a protected courtyard-not sure of her watering schedule.  Pogobob, Braden, Jeff Rood and I were there a couple of weeks ago.  I believe she said the other Angiopteris was more of a highland plant and could handle the cold better than A. evicta, but again, I can't remember which one it was.

[RedRabbit]

Is it still alive @Eric in Orlando? Any idea how hardy it is? 
I saw one at Shelby Gardens today for the first time. 🤤

[Eric in Orlando]

On 5/20/2023 at 10:04 PM, RedRabbit said:

Is it still alive @Eric in Orlando? Any idea how hardy it is? 
I saw one at Shelby Gardens today for the first time. 🤤

Ours is still alive, its tolerated down to about 28f with some burn. But it needs LOTS of water, has no drought tolerance at all in our sandy soil.

 

 

[RedRabbit]

Thanks Eric!

[greysrigging]

I have one in my back yard... a local nursury bought present from my son.... had it about 3 years and it is very fast growing.... but as mentioned above has zero drought tolerance and during our dry season ( Darwin, NT ) I'm often throwing buckets of water on it 3 times a day.
Understandable actually as they are native to the very wet coastal ranges of Tropical Queensland, often seen growing happily on the edges of creeks/waterways

[greysrigging]

My son's pcs.... growing besides a creek at Babinda,  Far North Queensland, Australia...