Van Bourgondien

Garden Guide Ferns

Shade loving perennials. Ferns need moisture and protection from direct rays of the sun to thrive. They do best in rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Diffused light is ideal, especially during the warmer months. A northern exposure that is protected from the wind often works well.

Ferns are best planted in spring or fall. Loosen soil to a depth of 12" and amend the soil with organic material such as leaf mold. Plant the ferns so the roots are covered with about 2" of soil. Space ferns at least 15" apart, allow 24" for larger varieties. Throughout the summer, keep the bed mulched. Keep watering well into November. In late summer and fall do not remove any dead fronds; they act as natural insulation for the crowns during the winter. After a hard frost, cover lightly with leaves or evergreen boughs and do not remove until all danger of frost has passed.

Varieties

Adiantum pedatum

(Maidenhair Fern) Plant in light shade to bright light (no direct sun) in welldrained, organic soil. Deciduous. Grows 1-2' tall. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Athyrium filix femina

(Lady Fern) Plant in partial sun to medium shade. It is tolerant of all but very dry or very wet soils. Deciduous. Grows 2-3' tall. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Athyrium niponicum

(Japanese Painted Fern) Plant in part to full shade for best color. The soil should be well-drained; however, it should be planted in a location that maintains moisture during the heat of summer. Also does well in containers, planted 8" deep. Deciduous. Grows 3-4' tall. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Dennstaedtra punctilobulba

(Hay Scented Fern) Plant in spring or fall in partial shade in moist, welldrained, slightly acidic soil. Deciduous. Tolerates wide range of growing conditions. Grows 2-3' tall and 2-3' wide. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Dryopteris marginalis

(Leatherwood Fern) Plant in light shade in rich, light soil of any type. Semi-evergreen. Grows 2-3' tall. Hardy in zones 3–8.

Dryopteris spinulosa

(Toothed Wood Fern) Plant in partial shade in rich, moist soil. Semi-evergreen. Grows 1-2' tall. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Onoclea sensibilis

(Sensitive Fern) Plant in sun or light shade in slightly acid, moist soil. Deciduous. Grows 12-18" tall. Hardy zones 3-8.

Osmunda cinnamonea

(Cinnamon Fern) Plant in partial sun to light shade in ordinary garden soil. It grows happily in swampy or dry areas. Deciduous. Grows 2-3' tall. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Osmunda regalis

(Royal Fern) Plant in full sun (if close to water) to partial shade in moist, slightly acid soil. It thrives in wet, boggy, swampy areas. Deciduous. Grows 3-4' tall. Hardy in zones 3-10.

Polystichym acrostichoides

(Christmas Fern) Plant in spring or fall in partial to full shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Evergreen. Grows 2-3' tall and 2-3' wide. Hardy in zones 3-9.