

Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. It can be propagated by division.Īutumn Fern is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers.

This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. This plant does best in partial shade to shade. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It has no significant negative characteristics.Īutumn Fern is recommended for the following landscape applications Īutumn Fern will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter.
AUTUMN FERN FULL
It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect. Its attractive glossy ferny compound leaves emerge coppery-bronze in spring, turning forest green in color with prominent coppery-bronze tips the rest of the year.Īutumn Fern is a dense herbaceous evergreen fern with a ground-hugging habit of growth. If the area lacks a male fern, some species of females can turn into males.Gorgeous dramatic foliage color on spreading plants, ideal for borders, containers or use as groundcover young papery fronds emerge copper in color and develop to green when mature easy to grow and drought resistantĪutumn Fern is primarily valued in the garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. Here’s a fun fact – evergreen ferns are either male or female. They make excellent companion plants with hostas, bleeding hearts, and phlox and are deer resistant.ĭivide or transplant ferns in the early spring and watch them thrive for years to come. The leathery leaves protect them from nearly all fungus and pests, aside from an occasional slug attack. Prepare the soil with organic matter such as compost, dried leaves, or cut grass. They are slow-growing, taking several years to mature in size and require regular watering. Evergreen ferns are perfect for shade gardens or any other areas with full shade. They typically have deep roots and a rhizome, meaning the plants send out horizontal stems that help new fronds grow. Not only is it a good idea to grow evergreen trees and perennial plants for year-round interest and color, consider adding ferns to the landscape to create an eye-catching array of feathery fronds.įerns do not have flowers and reproduce by emitting spores.
