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 December
2001
 Iris
unguicularis
November
2001
Hymenoxis
herbacea
 October
2001
Pellaea
atropurpurea
September
2001
Zauschneria
garrettii
August
2001
Platycodon
grandiflorum
'Sentimental
Blue'
July
2001
Callirhoe
involucrata
June
2001
Helianthemum
nummularium
hybrids
May
2001
Viola
pedata 'Bicolor'
April
2001
Anemonella
thalictroides
March
2001
Fritillaria
pudica
February
2001
Castilleja
rupicola
January
2001
Lupinus
lepidus var. lobbii
Archive 2004
Archive
2003
Archive
2002
Archive
2000
Archive
1999
Archive
1998
Archive
1997
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Plant
of the Month
October
2001
Pellaea
atropurpurea
by Iza Goroff
Pellaea
atropurpurea, the Purple Cliff Brake, is a member of
the Polypodiaceae, the largest family of ferns. It is native
to much of North America, primarily east of the Rocky
Mountains, and found mostly on limestone rock
formations.
 Pellaea
atropurpurea is an attractive plant with its clean
look and bluish fronds with purple stipes (stems). Grown in
a limestone crevice it stays in rock garden scale, not
likely to exceed 8" (20 cm) in height, although in a rich
soil it might grow to double that. It is best grown in a
partly sunny site;in nature it is frequently found in full
sun where it can suffer during dry periods. Keep a newly
planted one moist until it is established.
Pellaea
atropurpurea is hardy throughout the 48 contiguous
United States and much of lower Canada. Another cliff brake
to be sought, Pellaea glabella,
is smaller and reputedly cold hardier (though more
susceptible to heat and less available).
Propagation
of both species is by spores.
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