Ferns

Bracken Fern

The bracken fern, 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 will also make your rock garden beautiful and works well for a cottage garden. Read on to learn more about this attractive plant. Growing Bracken Fern 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 out so 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.  Fern Care Once established, the plant will require low maintenance. You will need to 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 up to seven feet in height, especially in early spring. Therefore, you will need to prune the plant occasionally and get rid of broken fronds. When grown in the right conditions, the fern is highly resistant to pests. Bracken Fern Propagation If you want to propagate the fern, dig out the plant and ensure that you get the whole rhizome. Carefully divide the roots. Transplant the divisions in a different area at the same conditions as the mother plant. Bracken ferns are easy to grow, making them a perfect choice for almost all gardens. The plant creates a unique and wild look in your yard. It also pulls out odors and chemicals from the air contributing to a cleaner environment.

Christmas Fern

 Christmas Fern, known also as Polystichum acrostichoides, is a perennial from primarily eastern North America with leaves that stay green even through the holiday season. Some of this plant’s popularity comes from its fountain-like fronds that spawn from its base. The fronds of this evergreen plant generally grow to 1 to 2 feet in length, while the plan itself usually grows 2 to 3 feet tall. The fronds stay glossy and green all year long, although they are longer when the plant is fertile. The fern is also one of the first ferns to emerge again in the spring. When the fronds emerge, they initially are upright. They later arch gently to the grown and become solid ground cover when fully mature. This also means their appearance will change slightly throughout the year, giving a refreshing change to the look of a large garden. Where To Plant Christmas Ferns The fern performs best in cool, moist soil with lots of shade, as this plant originated from a rocky, vegitation-lush habitat. According to the USDA, it grows best in hardiness zones 3 through 9. This hardy plant is also resistant to damage from pests such as small animals and deer, making it a great choice for those in northern states with deer problems. It provides great ground cover and accents. They can be used as a border for a larger garden, to fill space in a large yard, or even used as a potted houseplant.  Fern 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 will provide daytime sunlight and afternoon shade to prevent overexposure to the sun or a risk of drying out the fern’s soil. Luckily, this fern isn’t hard to take care of and does not need to be regularly pruned, making it a great choice for a gardener.

Cinnamon Fern

Cinnamon fern is one of the softest ferns that you will find because it is much softer and fuzzier than most of the plants you will ever find. You also need to be sure that you have figured out how you can make the best choices for your planting when you pick this fern. You will start to have a lot more fun with this fern if you have planted it properly, and you can put it in a lot of places where you need a little bit more texture. A lot of flowers and plants feel the same, and this fern feels completely different because of the way that is grows. Cinnamon Fern's Aroma The cinnamon fern has that unique aroma that you will not miss, and it has this fuzzy frond that will keep close to the ground. You probably are not aware of this fern because it does not always look like a fern, but this one will be exciting to you because it can look just right when you are planting near other flowers. Where To Plant Cinnamon Fern You can start to fill up the spaces in the flower beds that you have, and you can put the fern in places where it will be obvious 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 the way that you are planting in your hom, and people will come by wondering what that smell is. They will want to touch this fern because it looks so unique, and you will be pleased to find out that you can plant it in places where it can be surrounded by other flowers. The 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 fern, to be exact. A frond is a large divided leaf, and some botanists restrict the use of the term to the fern group of plants. They are green in color. They are harvested for primary use as a vegetable. Before opening and reaching its full height early in the season, the fernferns are harvested by cutting them fairly close to the ground. Fiddlehead Fern Bloom Time The ferns bloom in the spring, where they can then be foraged or commercially harvested, thus making them seasonally available. Recommendation is to take only half of the tops per cluster or plant when picking the ferns. 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 just emerging from the crown. Planting Fiddlehead Fern When it comes to planting your own ferns, average to fertile soil is key. 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 full sun if the dirt is damp enough. It is critical that the ferns have moisture. Scorching of the leaves may occur if the soil happens to not be moist enough. In the wild, the ferns are found growing by rivers and streams. That gives way to the idea of having a woodland style garden that is exceptionally moist. If you happen to have a garden bed near a downspout for your gutter, you will find that the ferns thrive quite well there. The Fiddlehead Ferns form a circular cluster of feathery fronds that are slightly arching. They are stiff, brown, fertile fronds that are covered in reproductive spores. They stick up the center of the cluster in late summer and persist well through the winter. One final note, be sure to let your plants establish for a few years before harvesting.

Giant Ostrich Fern

The Giant 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 that resemble the tail feathers of an ostrich. 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 It prefers growing in damp, shady areas that receive indirect sunlight like other fern species. 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. The fronds can grow up to 20 inches in height. While they can grow naturally from spreading spores, acquiring them from a trusted agronomist would be best. Under optimal conditions, they can spread quickly and form new, dense colonies through their underground rhizome roots. They feature, coupled with their showy nature, enables them to create pleasing views wherever it grows. It is one of the largest fern species growing in the world. Giant Ostrich Fern Care And Maintenance Giant Ostrich ferns are easy to care for and maintain. Its 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 making the ferns healthy. Another thing that makes them a low-maintenance plant is its deer and rabbit resistance. They are suitable for shady gardens and can also do better as a household plant.

Glade Fern

The glade fern is a fern with narrow leaves and is also known as the Silvery Glade Fern. The plant grows in hardiness zones 3 to 8. The genus name for the Glade Fern comes from the Greek term diplasios, meaning double. Glade ferns are tall and produce slender leaves, with about six leaves. The fern's fronds grow to around 90 centimenters long and 15 centimeters wide. Caring For Glade Fern Glade ferns 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. They require little maintenance and medium levels of water. Glade ferns tolerate dry soil well. These ferns also grow well in areas where there are rabbits, since the animals won't eat them. These ferns are native to North America and grows to be about 2-3 feet. The plant flourishes in Minnesota and throughout the southern regions of Georgia and Louisiana, as well as regions of Canada. Glade ferns usually 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 grow quickly. Fronds can be about 30 inches long and the fertile fronds of the plant maintain a tall and strong posture. The plants stand straight up and have a slender appearance, which makes the ferns suitable for natural front or backyard decor. Glade Ferns also make wonderful 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 in wooded areas and along banks of rivers. The fronds are lacy in design and stand erect when fully grown, turning more yellow in the autumn. The fronds reach approximately 30” in length, and plants spread approximately two to three feet.  How To Grow Hay Scented Ferns The ferns can be grown in a variety of soil types, including areas with poor soil and rocks. Established plants can be sown in dryer soil. Our ferns are ideal for areas with partial or full shade and can tolerate full sun. The plants are easy to maintain, requiring only moderate maintenance and watering, and are resistant to rabbits. Hay Scented Ferns Maintenance Individual ferns spread quickly to form colonies that fill in surrounding areas, producing a lush appearance to any garden. The rhizomes may disrupt develop of neighboring plants, so these ferns should be planted in isolated areas with plenty of room for growth and spread. The ferns do not flower. Leaves are very fragrant and have good fall, so some cleanup may be required in areas where the plants are grown. Insects and diseases are not common with the ferns. The plants may decline in performance in warmer climates during the last few weeks of the summer. Utilizing Hay Scented Ferns Hay scented ferns are great additions to areas with trees and add 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. 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, the Lady Fern is a perennial that is native to the United States and Alaska. This graceful fern 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 in length, given the right, moist environment. The fern can spread between three and seven feet in diameter. However, this deciduous fern will still maintain a fairly compact look. This hardy plant can be a great addition to any garden where you're looking to have that green-leafed backdrop. Or it also performs great as a ground cover plant for a variety of applications. Lady Fern Is A Low Maintenance Plant This low-maintenance fern can be referred to by many names. Some of these include Athyrium Filix-Femina, Subarctic Ladyfern, Asplenium Ladyfern, Tatting Fern, and Common Ladyfern. It's derived from the wood fern family and is tolerant to heavy shade and rabbits. This non-flowering plant is comprised of 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 clear protective membrane known as indusia throughout the fern's development until the plant is ready to propagate. Lady Fern Uses This circumglobal perennial is widely used for ornamental 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 fully, you can expect the fern'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 will remain beautifully luscious well into the fall. It will lose its leaves when the first frost comes. This fern is a highly sustainable staple to bring any landscape to life as it offers expansive foliage in a pleasant bright green color. This particular fern will continue to grow in circular clusters year after year.

Maidenhair Fern

The maidenhair fern is a low maintenance plant that is easily grown in both the garden and as a houseplant. It thrivs in acidic, moist to wet, rich soil that drains well. In nature, the fern is found growing on rocks beside waterfalls or other places where there is a flow of water. About Maidenhair Fern The 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," which means bird’s foot. The genus name, adiantum, is Greek for “unwetted,” for the plant easily sheds water. The stalks of the fern are curved, and the stems are fine as wires and range in color from red-brown to black. These stems contrast attractively with the green foliage. Maidenhair Fern Is Hardy The fern does not have serious problems with pests or diseases, though it can go dormant in high heat if it is not well-watered and if it is grown in bright sunshine. The gardener can tell if the plant needs watering because the fronds start to turn brown. The fern needs watering at least once a week and misting daily if it is grown as a houseplant. If it receives sun, it should only get a small amount in the early morning. Planting Maidenhair Fern The fern is an excellent choice for a woodland garden and gardens and paths made 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 that features native plants. Plant Name: Maidenhair fern 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

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 fern often grows along forest grounds in wet, boggy areas. It is possible to grow the fern in a garden if the soil is rich, moist, and mulched. Enhance Your Landscape With New York Fern New York Fern 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 NY Fern 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. Explore the Gorgeous NY Fern Features The NY 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 fern a little larger than some other ferns. NY Ferns usually clump together in bunches that reach around one to two feet in height and two to three feet in width. NY Fern Provides Year-Round Coverage NY Fern is a favorite of people looking for something that stays beautiful all year long. This plant provides lush greenery even when many other plants have finished blooming. One of the great things about NY fern is that it's a perennial plant that comes back year after year. Though individual fronds will die off in the winter, each spring, you'll find bright new ferns peaking through the soil. Enjoy the Lush Greenery of NY Fern The various colors of NY Fern add excitement and visual appeal to any landscape. When the ferns are new, they grow bright, yellow-green fronds, creating a vibrant springtime look. As they mature, they gradually deepen in color. Mature NY Fern 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, NY Fern is a lovely golden brown color that provides a classic, autumnal atmosphere.

Royal Fern

The Royal Fern, scientifically known as Osmunda regalis, is a captivating and graceful fern 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. One of the most lovely features of the fern is its size, as it can grow up 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 This fern is well-known for its love of moist, shaded environments, making it an excellent choice for areas near ponds, streams, or damp woodlands. Its preference for waterlogged soil makes it 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 fern thrives, adding to its lush, green appearance. The ferns have a rich historical significance, as they have been used for various purposes by indigenous peoples. 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, the Royal Fern never fails to impress with its regal beauty and timeless charm. Buy Royal Fern At Wholesale Nursery Co

Sensitive Fern

Despite their name, Sensitive Ferns are surprisingly hardy. These plants love moist areas and can thrive in full sun when given enough moisture. Unlike other ferns, they grow in front or backyards with no need for overhead cover. The plants reach heights up to two-feet tall and their arching fronds create dramatic landscapes. Sensitive Fern's Appearance Their foliage gives a rippled, full appearance in shades of light and bright green. Not only can they thrive in full sun and wet soil, but they can withstand high temperatures and are popular throughout the humid, Southeastern United States. Sensitive Fern's Formation In cooler regions, Sensitive fern can withstand periods of drought. The fern's slender stems and full 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 Sensitive ferns and the plants are valued for their ornamental features. Sensitive fern are sensitive to frost, but not to human touch. Even though Sensitive fern won't curl back at the touch of a finger, they will lose some foliage when it gets cold. Remaining foliage stays throughout the the winter season to provide attractive, winter interest during the cold months. Where To Find Sensitive Fern Once the snow season ends, Sensitive fern reemerge. You can find their lush growth in water gardens, irrigated areas, moist and wet soil and other areas in gardens and yards, particularly in areas where other plants refuse to grow. Sensitive fern's thick, green foliage is prolific and capable of holding back weeds and other growth. For this reason, they are an excellent plant for low-maintenance gardeners. An additional benefit for those who live in the suburbs and rural areas: Sensitive fern is deer proof. Hardly any other plants can boast that attribute. Sensitive Fern, Onoclea sensibilis, Zone: 2-10, Height: 2 feet, Prefers full sun to full shade

Tennessee Ostrich Fern (Glade)

The Tennessee ostrich fern's large, majestic fronds are its most unique characteristic. Named for their resemblance to an ostrich feather, the fronds unfurl from tight fiddleheads to reveal lush, filly plumes.This fern will require ample moisture, full shade to partial sun and rich soil. Deer tend to prefer tastier plants, meaning they will avoid the ferns. Smaller ostrich ferns thrive in a large planter or container on a deck or balcony, provided they are not in full sunlight. The ferns 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. Tennessee Ostrich Fern's Growth This fern produces a new set of new fronds, called crowns, each year surrounding the previous year's growth. This means that the fern will consistenly grow in size year after year. Once the fern reaches its desired size, it can be easily divided by splitting the root ball and replanting each half. If you're a fan of edible foliage, the fern's young leaves, called fiddleheads, are considered a delicacy and can be cooked or steamed. Try them in a recipe as a replacement for other bitter greens like swiss chard. Tennessee Ostrich Fern Uses The fern can be expected to grow to between 3 and 6 feet with lush, green fronds. They make an ideal backdrop for annual flowering plants and are large enough to be used to delineate different sections of a landscape. Fern fronds can also be used to provide lush green color and texture to cut flower bouquets and arrangements. Tennessee Ostrich Fern Hardy Planting Zone - 3-7 Bloom Season - Non-flowering Bloom Color - n/a Height at Maturity - 3-6ft Soil Type Preferred - Fertile, moist soil Sun or Shade - Full shade, tolerates partial sunlight

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 is comprised of lanceolate leaf blades that range from 2 to 12 inches long and have 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 that is of a pale green hue. This extends into a relatively smooth margin with some 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 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 in a horizontal fashion 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 are fairly similar in appearance. However, fertile leaves tend to be slightly larger in size. Spore-boring structures known as sori can be found on the underside of the fertile leaf blades. Walking Fern Characteristics These are characterized as irregularly scattered elongated shapes with laterally attached protective membranes known as indusium. These spores start out with a distinctive yellow hue and turn to a deeper reddish-brown color when they mature. The translucent indusium tissue shrivels, and the spores are ready to propagate. During the late summer to early fall, these spores are released into the wind for natural propagation. Where To Plant Walking Fern Native to eastern Canada and the United States, this evergreen fern flourishes in moist and shady environments. It may be referred to as Asplenium Rhizophyllum, North American Walking Fern, Camptosorus Rhizophyllus, or Adiantum. This small perennial plant makes ideal ground foliage for shady garden areas and sloped surfaces where erosion control may be a top concern.