Ferns in Alaska on Lawn and Garden Search

Talk about Ferns in our Message Board!

Other Articles/Publications:

Ferns
For now we have a single general file dealing with growing hardy ferns in the home landscape. Within this next year, we will develop files for the 10 or 12 most popular fern species.

Hardy Ferns
While there are many, many kinds of ferns with varying cultural requirements, they are usually categorized as tender or tropical ferns as opposed to hardy or native ferns. They range from 3 or 4 inch tall groundcovers such as Rusty Woodsia and Walking fern to 4 to 6 feet tall such as Cinnamon fern or Ostrich fern.

Choosing Hardy Ferns
Maidenhair fern (Adiatum pedatum) is 12 to 18 inches tall, delicate fronds with reddish cast; spreads well but is not invasive. Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum pictum) grayish-green with red tints encouraged by brighter light, very beautiful.

Caring For Hardy Ferns
They do not like soil so soggy that it puddles, but they have no problem with soil that is damp most of the time. Ferns grown in the shade need regular feeding because nearby tree roots often take up the available nutrients from the soil in and around the ferns.

Planting and Propagating Hardy Ferns
Place large ferns, like the ostrich fern, 3 feet apart, but most can be spaced at 12 to 18 inch intervals. The easiest way to grow more fern plants is to divide existing clumps after 3 or 4 years when they become large.

Listings for Ferns in Alaska

Page 1


	Fritz Creek Gardens
	Homer, Alaska (AK) 99603