Care Tips for Growing Sensitive Fern in Your Garden

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.

How to Keep Sensitive Fern Thriving in Various Conditions

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 Fern The Perfect Addition to Shaded 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.

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.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Choose early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool to plant healthy bare-root ferns. You can also use dormant plants to grow year-round. When you arrive, please soak the roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Ferns thrive in moist and shaded areas. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. Position the fern so the crown (where the roots meet the fronds) is just at or slightly below ground level. Gently backfill with soil firmly around the roots, and thoroughly water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for weed control and to retain moisture, ensuring the mulch does not touch the crown. Water during dry periods is used to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as ferns prefer nutrient-rich soil over direct fertilization.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.