Coniogramme emeiensis

Cionogramme emeiensis is a Chinese fern also known as Bamboo Fern because of the appearance of its large fronds, which are cut in the shape of bamboo leaves, and because it colonizes the ground through its trailing rhizomes. With a beautiful upright habit, adorned with glossy, exotic-looking foliage striped with pale yellow-green, this luminous plant is both elegant and robust. An unusual and very beautiful fern, deciduous or semi-evergreen, to be planted in shaded areas of the garden, in a pot on the terrace or in the conservatory.

This species of the fern family is native to the undergrowth of Mount Emei, China (Sichuan). It is hardy, capable of withstanding short frosts of -15°C (5°F), and resistant to drought once established. It is a perennial fern with trailing rhizomes, forming a beautiful tuft with an upright habit, 80 cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft) in height. Its growth is quite fast, spreading laterally through its rhizomes, forming a large ground cover over the years. Its foliage usually disappears in winter, but can persist if the temperatures are mild or if the plant is grown indoors. Vegetation starts again quite late in spring. Its characteristic fronds are cut into simple or subdivided leaflets at the base, with main veins of pale yellow-green. These regularly distributed, light veins, contrast with the emerald green of the leaf. Each frond can reach 50 cm (20in) long and 30 cm (12in) wide on a mature plant.

This bamboo fern is surprisingly easy to grow considering its exotic appearance. It has great ornamental value, in shaded areas of the garden or in a large pot placed in a corner of the terrace or staircase, protected from the scorching sun. It can be planted under deciduous trees and shrubs, in slightly acidic and humus-rich soil, where it eventually displaces weeds. It can also be planted along an east or north-facing facade. It can be paired with sturdy shade-loving perennials such as Solomon's seals, bearded irises, and other ferns to fill the base of rhododendrons, camellias, or hydrangeas. It is also a good plant for a bright and lightly heated conservatory or indoors.