Ferns are one of the most interesting, versatile and beautiful plant groups in existence, says master gardener Paul James, host of HGTV's Gardening by the Yard . They are among the oldest known plants on the planet and were around both before and after the dinosaurs.
Lacking flowers and seeds, ferns reproduce via millions of spores. They prosper in soil rich with organic matter and prefer the shade that tree canopies provide.
Common Hardy Ferns
Hardy ferns behave as dependably as perennials and are found in the tropics, in temperate regions, even near the Arctic Circle. Several dozen hardy ferns may be appropriate for your growing area, and the best selections usually arrive at nurseries in spring. Be sure when making a purchase, however, that the fern you are buying is indeed hardy. Not all are.
Here are some of the most common hardy ferns:
- Shield fern--Rugged and popular, this fern has coarse leaves that grow to about 18 inches and often remain green even in severe northern winters.
- Autumn fern--New growth emerges first as bronze, then turns green.
- Korean rock fern--This fern grows more than 12 inches tall and does well in terrariums as well as gardens.
- Wood fern--This type includes many varieties, all of which have soft, wispy foliage.
- Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)--Ultimately, these ferns reach a height of about three feet; James recommends staking them, if needed, for support.
- Japanese painted fern--This beauty will grow to approximately a foot tall and eight inches around. Its silvery leaves are a welcome departure from the more familiar green, and its reddish stems contrast beautifully with the silver fronds.
- Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)--Some of these dainty ferns are hardy, but others are not.
- Ostrich (Matteuccia struthiopteris), royal (Osmunda regalis) and staghorn (Platycerium) ferns--Each of these varieties can grow to three feet or more in height, with staghorns the largest of all.
Planting Ferns
When planting ferns, try to duplicate forestlike conditions. Place the plants in a rich soil amended with generous amounts of shredded leaves, leaf mold or pure compost, and keep them evenly moist. Group them together or place them individually in shady, bare spots in the garden or under trees. Either way, they're sure to add a light, airy feel to your landscape.
To plant a fern, follow these steps:
- Select a shady spot in the garden.
- Prepare a deep planting hole, and fill it with plenty of compost or shredded leaves; if you like, add a few small stones to improve drainage.
- Carefully remove the fern from its pot and place it in the hole.
- Place the plant in the ground and firm the soil around it. Water well.
Ferns:
- Hart's tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
- Japanese red shield (Dryopteris erythrosora)
- New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracencis)
- Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
- Japanese painted fern
- Hay-scented fern
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