Wood Fern Care Planting Wood Ferns In The Garden

Wood fern plants thrive in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Like most woodland garden plants, they prefer slightly acidic conditions. Planting wood ferns in soil enriched with leaf mold, compost or peat moss will help create good wood fern growing conditions. Wood fern plants require shade or semi-shade.

How do you plant ferns outside?

How to Plant Outdoor Ferns

Choose a planting time based on your climate zone. ...
Choose a shady location. ...
Plant ferns in moist, slightly acidic soil. ...
Enrich your soil with organic compost. ...
Plant your ferns. ...
Spread a two-inch layer of mulch over your soil.

What can you plant near ferns?

Ferns as Companion Plants: Ferns make wonderful companion plants to other ferns, Ajuga, Astilbe, Bergenia, barren strawberry, black lily-turf, European ginger, Galium, Geranium, Heuchera, hostas-especially blue leaved and variegated forms, Lamium, sedges, wintergreen, and wildflowers.

Do wood ferns spread?

About Wood Ferns

They spread slowly via rhizomes as well as by spore reproduction. ... Wood ferns can be either deciduous or evergreen. Though most types typically grow to heights of between 18 and 24 inches, some species can reach heights of more than 4 feet.

Where should I plant a fern in my garden?

How to grow Ferns. Most hardy garden ferns thrive best in a shady or part shaded area, and many will grow happily in full sun. Most are happiest in a moist soil which does not get too dry, although there are plenty of ferns which thrive equally well in dry stone walls and in the dust dry soil underneath mature trees.

Do outdoor ferns need a lot of water?

Outdoor ferns typically prefer a shaded area where the soil remains moist. As a rule, they prefer 1 to 2 inches of water a week, but this also depends on the soil and the growth rate. Ferns grown in light, sandy soil require more frequent watering than those grown in dense clay soil.

How long do ferns last outside?

Considered perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, they may stay out all year where temperatures seldom drop below 45 degrees F, but must be brought indoors if threatened by frost.

How do you control ferns in the garden?

The most effective way to kill ferns is to remove them -- and their spores -- to the city compost heap. Cut them back as they begin growing to short-stop spore production. The cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, raises one central, cinnamon-colored frond full of spores.

Do ferns kill other plants?

He refers to these plants with the capability to wage chemical warfare as “natural killers.” Walnut trees, pine trees, ferns and sunflowers are among the plants that release harmful chemicals to prevent other plants from growing too close to them. ... “The roots exude a toxin that kills native plants.”

Can coral bells take full sun?

One of the most versatile perennials you can grow in zones 4-9 is Coral Bells (Heuchera). Here's a plant that will grow in any amount of sunlight, from full sun to full shade, as long as you water it. Ideally, coral bells prefer partial shade and average moisture levels.

How do you encourage ferns to grow?

Tips for Growing Ferns Indoors

Humidity. All ferns love moisture and should be given humid conditions. ...
Compost/Soil. You also need to provide the right compost. ...
Light. Although most ferns grow in moist shady places like forest floors, this does not mean that they need no light. ...
Temperature. ...
Fertilizer. ...
Repotting.

What kind of ferns come back every year?

Like many other varieties of semitropical plants, Boston fern grows as a perennial in warm climates, but won't overwinter in areas that experience freezing temperatures. In cold climates, you must bring this type of fern indoors or grow it as an annual.

Do ferns multiply?

Ferns can multiply naturally via two mechanisms, vegetative and sexual. Vegetative reproduction occurs by producing new plantlets along underground runners, or rhizomes. ... Fertilized eggs make the large plants we normally see as ferns.

Do ferns like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. ... And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

Do ferns spread in the garden?

Like other perennial plants, you can divide ferns in spring or fall. Keep the new divisions well-watered until plants are established. Some ferns spread by underground runners, which can be helpful in places where you want a groundcover, but unwelcome in an orderly, formal planting.

Do ferns grow back if you cut them?

Cut back to the base if desired.

If you are not liking the look of your plant at all, you can cut it down to just above the crown, much as you do with an outdoor fern. Use sharp, clean scissors to cut off the fronds. The fern will grow back from the crown, if you let it remain.

Should you mist ferns?

Misting is good for broad-leaf ferns and those of simple-leaf forms. Use less spray on crinkled varieties, which tend to collect moisture and hold it, contributing to development of fungus. Humidity can be increased in the vicinity of the plants when pots are set on trays of moist pebles or on damp sand.

Why are my outdoor ferns dying?

The two most likely causes of the ferns turning brown are normal browning or not enough water. Your ferns are under a tree and may not have gotten enough water during the hot dry week. They do best in moist soil. ... Normal browning of fern fronds usually occurs on the oldest fronds that are closest to the base.

Do ferns need a lot of sun?

Ferns Need Plenty of Indirect Light

Most ferns prefer indirect light, which means you should avoid placing them where sunlight will hit them—their leaves can get scorched if you do, resulting in a dry, crispy plant. Usually, the amount of light they would get near a north- or east-facing window is perfect.

How cold is too cold for ferns?

On the coldest end of the scale, hardy ferns can survive temperatures down to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, hardy ferns in USDA zones 2 through 6, tend to be semi-evergreen. In most cases, it is safe to leave many hardy ferns outdoors all winter long. A few, however, are only cold-hardy to USDA zones 6 or 7.

Can hanging ferns be in full sun?

Ferns thrive in moist, shady outdoor areas, but the lush green foliage can also grow well in a hanging pot either indoors or outdoors. ... Hang the fern in a bright area where it receives indirect light. Harsh, direct sunlight can damage the fern fronds.

Can Ferns stay outside in winter?

Hardy ferns tolerate winter temperatures outdoors, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension, but many can also survive high heat. For this reason, hardy ferns are an excellent choice for year-round outdoor containers in most climates.