Adiantum venustum

Himalayan maidenhair fern is a delicate, creeping fern with black, wiry stems and small, fan-shaped leaflets arranged in graceful, arching fronds. Native to the Himalayas at elevations between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, it forms a low groundcover six to twelve inches tall, spreading slowly by rhizomes. The new fronds emerge bronze-pink in spring before maturing to soft green.

Grow in shade to part shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Provide regular water through the first two dry seasons to establish a strong root system. Once settled, it tolerates moderate drought better than most maidenhair ferns. Hardy to Zone 5. Evergreen in mild winters; cut back any frost-damaged fronds in early spring to make way for fresh growth.