We have been very pleased with the ease of growing the xeric (likes it dry) fern, Cheilanthes distans, which hails from rocky outcrops in New Zealand and Australia. Cheilanthes distans is a charming dwarf dryland fern that forms a tight 6″ tall, dense clump of stiff black stipes, each adorned with stiff, green, crinkly foliage. Cheilanthes distans is an easy-to-grow specimen for rock gardens and miniature railroads from zone 7b south, and in the North it is a great container specimen. The key for success with Cheilanthes distans is a dry spot in the winter months.
