Leatherleaf fern

What the leatherleaf fern means

Leatherleaf fern grows wild across much of the Southern Hemisphere and is farmed widely for florists, with Florida long one of its largest producers. In the Victorian language of flowers ferns stood for fascination and sincerity, and the Victorians were so taken with them that the craze had its own name, pteridomania. Leatherleaf itself is valued more for practicality: its tough, glossy fronds last for weeks, which made it the standard backing green for roses and carnations through much of the 20th century.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

• Sympathy
• Birthday
• Thank you
• Anniversary

By colour

• Green Traditionally, sincerity; Victorians read ferns as fascination.
• Deep green Often read as steadfast support.