Phlebodium areolatum and Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star'
This is Phlebodium areolatum along with acacia ‘cousin it’ and aeonium ‘mint saucer.
What’s the difference between Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' and Phlebodium areolatum? We grow both ferns on our farms. Both have graphic aqua-hued fronds and pale, almost metallic sheen. Both are versatile in the garden, thriving in full sun to part shade near the coast. Both thrive in pots and tolerate dry conditions better than most ferns, tho they prefer regular water.
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' is usually seen at about 2’ height, sometimes reaching 3’ with age. The Blue Star fern is happy either indoors or out, thriving as a houseplant.
Phlebodium areolatum easily and quickly reaches 3’, but in the right conditions can reach 4’ -5’ . This fern is considerably more rare. As far as we know, we are one of few nurseries offering it in California. It was once more common, but seems to have disappeared from the plant trade. We have no evidence that Phlebodium areolatum will be happy indoors.
Phlebodium areolatum with Asparagus virgatus and Pittosporum ‘Silver Magic’. At left, Echium simplex.
Phlebodium ‘Blue Star’ with Dianella
'Blue Star' is also much less finicky than most ferns, tolerating varied levels of light in the garden, from moderately high sun to shade.
Phlebodium areolatum with golden spores showing on the back of the leaves
As a houseplant, this fern is easy to grow and aesthetically dreamy. We love the way the silvery foliage complements so many different pots and interior colors.
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star'
When you forget to water your ‘Blue Star’ fern, it might get a little dried and crispy-looking, but these plants will bounce back! In nature they can adapt to drought conditions by becoming deciduous and shedding their fronds. If you notice your ‘Blue Star’ losing leaves, try and increase the watering frequency.
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star'
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' 6” plants
We grow this plant ourselves down at Grubb & Nadler in the Rainbow Valley, where the fern crops are looking spectacular this season.
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' thriving outdoors in the shade.