Easy Ferns To Grow

Bracken Fern

The bracken fern is scientifically known as Pteridium aquilinum. This is a widely growing plant, especially in Northern America. The fern has stiff triangular-shaped fronds and quickly grows into large colonies. You can grow the fern as underground foliage in a wooded area. The plant also makes your rock garden beautiful and works well for a cottage garden.  Adding the Bracken Fern to Your Landscape The fern can tolerate different soil types but grows well in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. The plant will also require slight acidity and consistent moisture. Provide some shade, too. Reduce the watering if the plant grows so aggressively. Look for an isolated space in your garden to plant the fern since their rhizomes spread quickly. Once you designate a spot, dig a deep, wide hole, then place the rhizomes at the center. Cover the hole with enough soil, then water it. Remember to keep the ferns at least seven feet away from each other. You can also plant the fern in a container to limit its spread. Use a large enough ceramic porous pot with good drainage. Caring For The Bracken Fern Once established, the bracken fern plant will require low maintenance. You must apply manure or other organic compounds at least once annually. Also, add a layer of mulch on the roots for moisture retention. The fern can grow to seven feet tall, especially in early spring. Therefore, you must occasionally prune the plant and remove broken fronds. When grown in the right conditions, the fern is highly resistant to pests. Planting Bare Root Bracken Fern Timing: Plant bare-root Bracken Ferns in early spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist. Location: Choose a location with partial to full shade. Bracken Ferns can tolerate some sun but prefer shaded areas. Soil: Well-drained soil is ideal. Bracken Ferns can adapt to various soil types but prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH. Preparation: Soak the bare roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them. Planting Depth: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Plant the roots with the crown just below the soil surface. Spacing: Space plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow room for growth and spreading. Get your Bracken Ferns at Garden Plants Nursery!

Christmas Fern

Christmas Fern, also known as Polystichum acrostichoides, is a perennial from primarily eastern North America with leaves that stay green even through the holiday season. This plant’s popularity comes from its fountain-like fronds that spawn from its base. The Appearance Of The Christmas Fern The fronds of this evergreen Christmas Fern plant generally grow to 1 to 2 feet long, while the plant usually grows 2 to 3 feet tall. The fronds stay glossy and green all year, although longer when the plant is fertile. The fern is also among the first to emerge again in the spring. When the fronds emerge, they are initially upright. They later arch gently to the ground and become solid ground cover when fully mature. This also means their appearance will change slightly throughout the year, refreshing the look of a large garden.  Where To Plant Christmas Ferns The fern performs best in excellent, moist soil with lots of shade, as this plant originated from a rocky, vegetation-lush habitat. The USDA says it grows best in hardiness zones 3 through 9. This hardy fern plant is also resistant to damage from pests such as small animals and deer, making it an excellent choice for those in northern states with deer problems. It provides excellent ground cover and accents. They can be used as a border for a more extensive garden, to fill space in a large yard, or even as a potted houseplant.  Christmas Ferns Are Low-maintenance Christmas Ferns can also be placed in a planter. Be sure to mist them at least once a week to allow for moist but not excessively saturated soil. Indoors, these plants will do best near a window that provides daytime sunlight and afternoon shade to prevent overexposure to the sun or the risk of drying out the fern’s soil. Luckily, this fern isn’t hard to care for and does not need to be regularly pruned, making it an excellent choice for a gardener.

Cinnamon Fern

Cinnamon fern is one of the softest ferns because it is much smoother and fuzzier than most plants you will ever see. It would be best if you also were sure that you have figured out how to make the best planting choices when you pick this fern. The Texture Of The Cinnamon Fern If you have planted the fern properly, you will start to have a lot more fun with it. You can put it in many places where you need a little bit more texture. Many flowers and plants feel the same, but this fern feels completely different because of how it grows. Cinnamon Fern's Aroma The cinnamon fern has a unique aroma that you will not miss, and this fuzzy frond will keep it close to the ground. You probably are unaware of this fern because it only sometimes looks like a fern, but it will be exciting because it can look just right when you are planting near other flowers. Where To Plant The Cinnamon Fern You can start filling up the spaces in your flower beds, and you can put Cinnamon Fern in places where it will be evident in its texture. You can put it in a pot, and you will be able to keep it in your office if that is what you want. You will be pretty happy with how you plant in your home, and people will wonder what that smell is. They will want to touch this fern because it looks unique, and you will be pleased to learn that you can plant it where other flowers can surround it. The cinnamon fern takes no work to care for, and you will dazzle people when they see it.

Fiddlehead Fern

The fiddlehead ferns have furled fronds. Those of a young one, to be exact. A frond is a large divided leaf, and some botanists restrict the term's use to their group of plants. They are green in color. They are harvested for primary use as a vegetables. Before opening and reaching their full height early in the season, they are harvested by cutting them reasonably close to the ground. Fiddlehead Fern Bloom Time They bloom in the spring, where they can then be foraged or commercially harvested, thus making them seasonally available. The recommendation is to take only half of the tops per cluster or plant when picking the plants. This makes for a sustainable harvest. The season for picking, however, is short. It is about two weeks in a given area. There are three good identifying characteristics. The stem is smooth and green. They have a deep groove on the inside of the stem, shaped much like the letter 'U.' Lastly, they will have a brown, paper-like covering when emerging from the crown. Planting Fiddlehead Fern When planting Fiddlehead Fern, average to fertile soil is critical. All the better if the soil is humus-rich and in the range of neutral to acidic. They prefer light or partial shade but can handle full shade or sun if the dirt is damp enough. They must have moisture. Scorching of the leaves may occur if the soil needs to be moist enough. In the wild, they are found growing by rivers and streams. That gives way to the idea of having an exceptionally moist woodland-style garden. They thrive there if you have a garden bed near a downspout for your gutter. The Fronds Of Fiddlehead Fern The Fiddlehead Ferns form a circular cluster of feathery, slightly arching fronds. They are stiff, brown, fertile fronds covered in reproductive spores. They stick up the cluster's center in late summer and persist well through the winter. One final note: let your plants establish for a few years before harvesting.

Giant Ostrich Fern

The Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopetris) is native to eastern North America. The fern grows in large, vase-shaped clusters known as crowns. As its name suggests, the fern has showy, sterile fronds resembling an ostrich's tail feathers. It has deciduous green fronds that grow vertically up to 65 inches in height and 13.8 inches in breadth. The fronds are dimorphic, with differing male and female fronds. Where To Plant Giant Ostrich Fern Like other fern species, it prefers growing in damp, shady areas that receive indirect sunlight. This fern can grow in different soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It is a common ornamental plant cultivated by people in their gardens. When grown, they first produce sterile shoots known as fiddleheads. The fiddleheads can be cooked as vegetables and are a popular delicacy in the rural parts of northeastern North America. The fronds, which produce fronds, grow a few weeks after fiddleheads and are primarily involved in reproduction. Ostrich Fern's Growth The fronds can grow up to 20 inches in height. While Ostrich Fern can develop naturally from spreading spores, it is best to acquire them from a trusted agronomist. Under optimal conditions, they can spread quickly and form new, dense colonies through their underground rhizome roots. Their feature, coupled with their showy nature, enables them to create pleasing views wherever they grow. It is one of the largest fern species growing in the world. Care And Maintenance Of Ostrich Fern  Giant Ostrich ferns are easy to care for and maintain. Their maintenance is primarily cosmetic and usually involves clearing debris from the plant during its dormant phase. A little fertilizer and frequent watering will go a long way in keeping the ferns healthy. Another thing that makes them a low-maintenance plant is their resistance to deer and rabbits. They are suitable for shady gardens and can do better as a household plant.

Glade Fern

The glade fern has narrow leaves and grows in hardiness zones 3 to 8. The genus name comes from the Greek term dialysis, meaning double. It is tall and produces slender leaves with about six leaves. The fern's fronds grow to around 90 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide. Caring For Glade Fern They require partial to full shade. When the leaves are fertile, they are erect and produce long, narrow stripes. The sterile leaves of the plant are thinner and taller than the greener ones and have pinnae that are noticeably skinny compared to the fertile fronds. The fertile leaves of the plant usually bloom late in the summer season, and sterile fronds appear during spring. Glade Fern Is A Low Maintenance Plant They require little maintenance and medium levels of water. Glade ferns tolerate dry soil well. These ferns also grow well in areas with rabbits since the animals won't eat them. These ferns are native to North America and grow to be about 2-3 feet. The plant flourishes in Minnesota and throughout the southern regions of Georgia, Louisiana, and Canada. They grow wild in ravines, valleys, woodlands, and streams. The plant spreads from underground stems so a colony can develop during the fern's lifetime. Growth Of Glade Fern In the right conditions, Glade Ferns proliferate. Their fertile fronds can be about 30 inches long, and the plant's tall and robust posture is maintained by their fertile fronds. The plants stand straight up and have a slender appearance, which makes them suitable for natural front or backyard decor. They also make lovely potted plants as long as the soil in the pot is slightly dry and there's a place in your home to provide the proper shade requirements.

Hay Scented Fern

Hay scented ferns are native to the midwestern and eastern United States, where they grow in wooded areas and along river banks. The fronds are lacy in design and stand erect when fully grown, turning more yellow in the autumn. The fronds reach approximately 30” long, and the plants spread approximately two to three feet. How To Grow Hay Scented Ferns It can be grown in various soil types, including areas with poor soil and rocks. Established plants can be sown in dryer soil. Our plants are ideal for partial or complete shade areas and can tolerate full sun. The plants are easy to maintain, requiring only moderate maintenance and watering, and are resistant to rabbits.  How Hay Scented Ferns Spread  Individual Hay Scented Ferns spread quickly to form colonies that fill in surrounding areas, producing a lush appearance to any garden. The rhizomes may disrupt neighboring plants' development, so these should be planted in isolated regions with plenty of room for growth and spread. They do not flower. Leaves are fragrant and have a good fall, so some cleanup may be required in areas where the plants are grown. Insects and diseases are not familiar to them. The plants may decline in performance in warmer climates during the last few weeks of the summer.  Hay scented ferns are great additions to areas with trees, adding charm to wild-growing gardens and cottage landscaping. They can also be used in wooded areas to fill in areas for a more natural look. Where Hay Scented Fern Will Thrive Hardy Planting Zone- 3 to 8 Bloom Season (if any) – Does not bloom Bloom Color – N/A Height at Maturity – 1.5 to 2.0 feet Soil Type Preferred- Medium moisture loams that are moist, acidic, and rich.

Lady Fern

 The Lady Fern is an upright plant, a perennial native to the United States and Alaska. This graceful plant can reach a height between two and five feet tall. It boasts bright green leaves that have a fine, lacy texture. These fronds can grow from one to three feet long in the right, moist environment. The plant can spread between three and seven feet in diameter. However, this deciduous plant will still maintain a reasonably compact look. This hardy plant can be a great addition to any garden where you're looking to have that green-leafed backdrop. It also performs well as a ground cover plant for various applications. Lady Fern Is A Low Maintenance Plant Many names can refer to this lady fern. These include Athyrium Filix-Femina, Subarctic, Asplenium, Tatting type, and Common. It's derived from the wood-type family and tolerates heavy shade and rabbits. This non-flowering plant comprises between 20 and 30 pairs of non-opposite elliptic leaflets. Each one has a narrow tip point and is further segmented into subleaflets. On the underside of these subleaflets, you'll find clusters of spore-producing receptacles known as sori that take on a horseshoe-like shape. They will be covered with a transparent protective membrane known as indusia throughout the plant's development until it is ready to propagate. Uses Of The Lady Fern This circumglobal perennial is widely used as an ornament in home gardens. It starts growing out in the early spring. You'll see its fiddleheads that have distinctive dark brown scales. As it grows out entirely, you can expect the plant's lance-elliptic leaves to have a width between 4 and 14 inches. Its stems will be slightly grooved and can range in color from green to light brown. Lady Fern Is Highly Sustainable Lady Fern will remain beautifully luscious well into the fall. It will lose its leaves when the first frost comes. This plant is a highly sustainable staple that brings any landscape to life, offering expansive foliage in a pleasant bright green color. This particular one will continue to grow in circular clusters year after year.

Maidenhair Fern

The maidenhair fern is a low-maintenance plant that can be quickly grown in the garden or as a houseplant. It thrives in acidic, moist to, wet, rich soil that drains well. In nature, the plant is found growing on rocks beside waterfalls or other places where water flows. How Maidenhair Fern Spreads The Maidenhair Fern is a creeping plant that spreads through rhizomes. Given enough time, it creates dense colonies. It is deciduous and relinquishes its leaves in the fall, though pink fiddleheads start to appear in spring. The leaves themselves are bright green, attractive, and fine-textured. They give the plant its epithet of "pedatum," a bird’s foot. The genus adiantum is Greek for “unwetted,” for the plant quickly sheds water. The plant's stalks are curved, and the stems are delicate as wires and range from red-brown to black. These stems contrast attractively with the green foliage. Maidenhair Fern Is a Pest And Disease Resistant The plant does not have severe problems with pests or diseases, though it can go dormant in high heat if it is not well-watered or grown in bright sunshine. The gardener can tell if the plant needs watering because the fronds start to turn brown. The plant needs watering at least once a week and misting daily if grown as a houseplant. It should only get a small amount in the early morning if it receives sun. Maidenhair Fern Is Perfect For Woodland Gardens  The Maidenhair fern is an excellent choice for a woodland garden, gardens, and paths for shade-loving plants. It is a good choice for the shaded areas beneath trees, where it can replace sun-loving turf grass. The plant is native to North America and can be part of a garden with native plants. Latin name: Adiantum pedatum  Hardy planting zone: 3 to 11 Mature height: 1 to 2 1/2 feet. Spread: 1 to 1 1/2 feet Bloom season: Non-flowering Sun: Part to full shade

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New York Fern

The New York Fern, or Thelypteris noveboracensis, is a perennial plant species. It has fronds that taper at the top toward the base, creating a triangular shape. The plant often grows along forest grounds in wet, boggy areas. Growing the plant in a garden is possible if the soil is rich, moist, and mulched. New York Fern Is A Perfect Border Plant It is a classic landscaping addition for those looking for tasteful, practical filler. This plant grows delicate, frilly fronds that add texture and liveliness to your property. Many homeowners choose it as a border plant along sidewalks or around trees. Its dense clusters of leaves make it ideal for any gaps you wish to fill, such as spots between flowering shrubs. The fronds fan out into statuesque bunches that look elegant in pots or window boxes. New York Fern Has Teardrop Shaped Leaves New York Fern has an elongated, teardrop shape of small, oval leaves. Each plant consists of a central stalk with smaller leaves arranged parallelly. This creates a graceful, feathery plant that is a little more giant than others. They usually clump together in bunches that reach around one to two feet in height and two to three feet in width.  New York Fern Provides Year-Round Coverage It is a favorite of people looking for something beautiful all year. This plant provides lush greenery even when many other plants have finished blooming. One of the great things about it is that it's a perennial plant that returns year after year. Though individual fronds will die off in the winter, you'll find bright new ones peaking through the soil each spring. The various colors of the New York Fern add excitement and visual appeal to any landscape. When they are new, they grow bright, yellow-green fronds, creating a vibrant springtime look. As they mature, they gradually deepen in color. A mature one is often an eye-catching emerald shade coordinating beautifully with other foliage. As each stalk reaches the end of its lifespan, it gradually lightens. In the fall or early winter, it is a lovely golden brown color that provides a classic, autumnal atmosphere.

Ostrich Fern

The Tennessee ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), often called ostrich fern, is a large, strikingly elegant fern known for its feathery, arching fronds resembling ostrich plumes. It is native to temperate regions of North America, including parts of Tennessee, and thrives in moist, shady environments, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens and shaded landscapes. The Tennessee ostrich fern is hardy in zones 3-7, which includes much of the central and northern U.S., including Tennessee. Tennessee Ostrich Fern Does Great In Containers  Smaller ones thrive in a large planter or container on a deck or balcony, provided they are not in full sunlight. They are perennials, so they can be expected to grow in lawns or gardens year after year. Their hardiness makes them ideal for difficult-to-plant regions, including those that receive frost and snow in the winter. The Tennessee Ostrich Fern Growth Tennessee Ostrich Fern produces new fronds, called crowns, each year surrounding the previous year's growth. This means that the plant will consistently grow in size year after year. Once it reaches its desired size, it can be easily divided by splitting the root ball and replanting each half. The fern produces two types of fronds: Sterile Fronds (the leafy green fronds): These are the large, lush, and feathery fronds that give the plant its characteristic look. They can grow up to 3 to 6 feet tall and arch outward, forming a vase-like shape. Fertile Fronds (spore-producing fronds): These fronds appear in the center of the plant later in the season and are shorter, darker, and more rigid. They turn brown in the fall and remain standing throughout the winter. Tennessee Ostrich Fern Reaches 6 Feet Tall Tennessee Ostrich Fern can be expected to grow to between 3 and 6 feet with lush, green fronds. Its fronds make an ideal backdrop for annual flowering plants and are large enough to delineate different landscape sections. The fronds can also provide a lush green color and texture to cut flower bouquets and arrangements. Ostrich ferns are perfect for woodland or shade gardens, adding height and texture to the landscape. Due to their spreading habit and love for moisture, they can be planted on shaded slopes or near streams where their roots help stabilize the soil. Ostrich ferns prefer partial shade to full shade, though they can tolerate some morning sun, especially in cooler climates. Too much sun can scorch the fronds. The plant spreads by underground rhizomes, creating colonies over time, which makes it useful as a natural ground cover.

Royal Fern

The Royal Fern, scientifically known as Osmunda regalis, is a captivating and graceful species that has enchanted botany enthusiasts and nature lovers for centuries. Its elegance and distinct characteristics make it popular in ornamental gardens and shaded landscapes. Sizes Of The Royal Fern One of the plant's most lovely features is its size, which can grow to an impressive height of four to six feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters). Its fronds are genuinely regal, with a feathery appearance and a rich, deep green color. The fronds are bipinnate, divided into leaflets, creating a stunning display that stands out in any garden. Royal Fern Is A Perfect Addition To Water Gardens And Wetland Areas They are well-known for their love of moist, shaded environments, making them an excellent choice for areas near ponds, streams, or damp woodlands. Their preference for waterlogged soil makes them a delightful addition to wetland gardens or areas with consistently high humidity. In the spring, the Royal fern produces fertile fronds with spore-bearing structures called sori clusters. These sori add a unique and interesting texture to the plant. As summer progresses, the plant thrives, adding to its lush, green appearance. They have a rich historical significance, as they have been used for various purposes by indigenous peoples. The Fern Is A Great In Any Garden With its luxurious appearance and the air of sophistication it adds to any garden, the royal fern is a favorite among gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts. Its ability to thrive in damp conditions and its stunning appearance make it a beloved choice for those looking to create a lush and enchanting outdoor space. Whether used as a focal point or a complement to other plants, it never fails to impress with its regal beauty and timeless charm.

Sensitive Fern

Despite their name, Sensitive Ferns are surprisingly hardy. These plants love moist areas and can thrive in full sun with enough moisture. Unlike others, they grow in front or backyards without needing overhead cover. The plants reach heights up to two feet tall, and their arching fronds create dramatic landscapes. Their foliage gives a rippled, entire appearance in light shades and bright green. They thrive in full sun and wet soil, withstand high temperatures, and are popular throughout the humid Southeastern United States. The Sensitive Fern Can Withstands Droughts  Sensitive ferns can withstand periods of drought in cooler regions. The plant's slender stems and entire leaves create textural backgrounds for smaller annuals and other ground covers. Fertile fronds take on dark, mahogany tones and have a bead-like appearance. Natural landscapes and similar designs feature them; the plants are valued for their ornamental features. They do not like frost, but not to human touch. Even though it won't curl back at the touch of a finger, it will lose some foliage when it gets cold. The remaining foliage stays throughout the winter to provide attractive winter interest during the cold months. Sensitive Ferns Do Well Near Water Gardens Once the snow season ends, it reemerges. You can find their lush growth in water gardens, irrigated areas, moist and wet soil, and other areas in parks and yards, mainly where other plants refuse to grow. Sensitive Fern Surpasses Weeds The sensitive fern's thick, green foliage is prolific, holding weeds and other growth back. For this reason, they are an excellent plant for low-maintenance gardeners. Another benefit for those who live in the suburbs and rural areas is that it is deer-proof. Hardly any other plant can boast that attribute.  Zone: 2-10, Height: 2 feet, Prefers full sun to full shade.

Walking Fern

The Walking Fern is a member of the Aspleniaceae family and is characterized as a small tuff with simple leaves. This perennial plant comprises lanceolate leaf blades ranging from 2 to 12 inches long and has a width between 1/4 and 2 inches. They have distinctively slender bodies with prominent tips. Each blade starts with an auriculate or cordate pubescent base of a pale green hue. This extends into a relatively smooth margin with slight undulation of the leaf's blade. The uppermost surface of this plant's blade is dark to medium green and free from any fuzzy hair follicles. The entire surface of the leaf blade is covered with a massive network of veins.  Walking Fern's Growth Its slender stripes grow between one-quarter of an inch and four inches in length. At their base, these stipes brandish a brownish hue that transitions to bright green when it joins the blade. Younger leaf blades will grow horizontally close to the ground. Older leaf blades will grow in a more arching manner. This low-lying plant has a fibrous root system consisting of a short rhizomatous crown. It produces both fertile and infertile leaf blades, which appear similarly. However, fertile leaves tend to be slightly larger. Spore-boring structures known as sori can be found on the underside of the fertile leaf blades.  Walking Fern Characteristics Walking Ferns are characterized as irregularly scattered elongated shapes with laterally attached protective membranes known as indusium. When they mature, these spores start with a distinctive yellow hue and turn to a deeper reddish-brown color. The translucent indusium tissue fades, and the spores are ready to propagate. During the late summer to early fall, these spores are released into the wind for natural propagation.  Walking Fern Is Perfect For Ground Cover Native to eastern Canada and the United States, Walking Fern flourishes in moist and shady environments.  This small perennial plant makes ideal ground foliage for shady garden areas and sloped surfaces where erosion control may be a top concern.