| September 2008 — Fabulous Ferns |
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We're taking a slightly different approach to the plant of the month for September, instead of looking at a selection of cultivars from a single genus we will examine a selection of genera that are often overlooked, but are of great value in the garden. With the increasing knowledge and sophistication of today's gardeners, the importance of foliage is becoming more and more evident. The lure of color and texture can be just as overpowering when exercised in subtleties as when using the flamboyancy of flowers. What can be more understated than a plant that does not flower? The amazing array of texture and yes, color, that can be found in ferns is sure to ensnare any gardener dealing with shade or anyone who is looking for some restrained elegance.
Beautiful woodland gardens can be created with ferns and companion plants such as Hosta, Astilbe, Actaea, Ligularia and Brunnera etc. Just imagine the juxtaposition of texture presented by the bold leathery Hosta and the lacy delicate fern - stunning. And don't forget the possibilities created by underplanting with a selection of spring-flowering bulbs or other ephemerals. The fern fronds emerge and mature just in time to fill in the gaps. Ferns are very easy to grow as long as their simple needs are met, a moist but well drained humus rich soil is usually preferred. Generally speaking they are happier when their roots are kept on the cool side. These conditions are easily provided in shady areas, but be aware of what is creating the shade, thirsty trees such as maples and evergreens often take all of the available moisture leaving only an inhospitable dryness for any 'competition'. Insects and disease are rarely a problem for this group of plants. Morning and or late afternoon sun is generally quite acceptable, rarely will a fern tolerate full shade or the brightness and heat of noon exposure. Some ferns are deciduous while others retain their foliage over the winter, some are dimorphic (vegetative and reproductive fronds with different appearances) while others produce their spores on the underside of fronds that all look the same. The differences are fascinating! Adiantum pedatum: Northern Maidenhair Fern Perhaps one of the loveliest and most delicate looking of our native North American (eastern) ferns. Wire like stems are softened by numerous light green, small leathery disks with undulating edges. Prefers a moist, acidic to neutral soil and a cooler environment. Very easy to grow, will reach a height of 1.5' to 2' (45cm - 60cm) and will slowly spread by rhizomes to form a small colony. Makes and excellent ground cover. Deciduous and hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Matteuccia struthiopteris: Ostrich Fern or Shuttlecock Fern This more imposing plant takes its name from the tall, green, lacy, vegetative fronds that appear in spring, curled tightly as fiddleheads that unfurl to a maximum of 4' (120 cm) to resemble individually, the plume-like tails of an Ostrich, or as a clump, the target of a badminton racquet. Native to much of the northern hemisphere, the distinct upright clumps will spread by stolons (runners) to form moderately dense colonies. The fertile fronds are quite different in appearance, emerging from the center of the crown, reaching a maximum height of about 2' (60 cm) and retaining a deep brown coloration. While the green vegetative fronds are deciduous, the fertile fronds emerge in the fall and remain erect over the winter to disperse their spores in the spring. Hardy from USDA zones 3-8, but happiest in a moist location and intolerant of the heat and humidity of the south. Onoclea sensibilis: Sensitive Fern (Bead Fern) Deeply lobed fronds have a rather coarse appearance that is quite unlike the stereotypical image of a fern. Vegetative fronds are a medium clean green with lighter veins while the fertile fronds are brown wands covered with beadlike structures (sporangia, or spore sacs) that explain one of the common names. Another easy to grow fern but must be in a moist location, it is sensitive to drought and will wither at the first sign of frost. They will reach a mature height of 3'-4' (100cm-120cm) with an equal spread. Hardy to USDA zone 4-8. Osmunda cinnamomea: Cinnamon Fern At first glance quite similar in appearance to Ostrich fern but there are, in fact, several distinct differences. The deciduous vegetative foliage is somewhat finer with twice pinnately compound fronds (leaves) and an abundance of light brown (cinnamon) hairs at the base where they attach to the crown. This is the source for the Osmunda fiber that is used for potting many Orchids. The emerging fiddleheads are eaten just as often as those of the Ostrich fern. The fertile fronds emerge bright green but soon color to a lovely cinnamon bronze and wither soon after sporulation in early summer. Happiest in a boggy soil with a high organic content and a slight acidity. Mature height 3'-5' (100cm - 150cm) with a spread of 2'-3' (60cm - 100cm). Hardy to USDA 3-8. Polystichum acrostichoides: Christmas Fern An evergreen fern with dark glossy foliage that is still lovely in late December, hence the common name, and can easily be used as a 'green' in festive floral arrangements. An easy-to-please fern that is happy in dryer sites than many of the others discussed here, and can in fact be susceptible to crown rot if it is too wet. The dark green leathery foliage will reach a length of about 2' (60 cm) with the sporangia appearing on the underside of the upper 1/3 of the frond. Christmas fern will not spread or naturalize but the clump will slowly enlarge to make a sizable specimen. Hardy to USDA 3-9. |
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