It is wise to prepare a large area for ferns before planting, not just individual holes. This species also prefers constant moisture, but can withstand some drought. Marginal wood fern is native to the mountains and piedmont of South Carolina and will grow throughout the state except for along the coast. Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Our Favorite Ferns For Thriving in the Southern Heat. Prefers constant moisture, but can withstand some drought. Shade-loving flowers aren’t too hard to find. Fairview, NC 28730 It grows 10 to 15 inches tall. http://www.we-du.com, Mountain Mist Nursery this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. They’re at home in woodland plantings as well as suburban borders. 10 Log Gap Rd. Provide supplemental water during dry periods. This species is a type of sword fern known for its hardiness. Raleigh, NC 27603 Rhizome division. Grow in light to full shade. And maybe best of all, you can impress folks by pointing to a grouping of them in the garden and referring to your “fernery.”, HEIGHT: 3 to 4 feetLIGHT: Full to part shade. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora): The new spring leaves of this evergreen fern are coppery-pink in spring, turn green in summer and rusty-brown in fall. Propagate by rhizome division. Foliar nematodes, which cause reddish brown areas between the leaf veins, can attack some ferns. Koi Pond and Fern Garden of Jay Sifford in Charlotte, NC, Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. There are three different methods for dividing ferns. Edge division. For information on how to divide, see HGIC 1150, Dividing Perennials. Slugs will occasionally eat the young fronds of variegated shield, deer, hayscented or southern shield ferns. Grow in light to full shade anywhere in South Carolina except for along the coast. Grow in light shade to full shade throughout South Carolina except for the coast. Many ferns are both cold and heat tolerant — these make the best garden plants for the South. It is a little hardier … Grows better on alkaline to neutral soils. Flower colour. Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, www.forestryimages.org, Sensitive fern. But no matter the setting, the lush fronds turn down summer’s heat with their psychological cooling effect. All of our evergreen ferns are tolerant of drought, native to the United States, excellent for erosion control, and most are rarely eaten by deer. It can stand some drought in shade. Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum): The dark, evergreen, lacy leaves of this fern grow upright 24 to 36 inches tall. For more information on slugs, see HGIC 2357, Snails & Slugs in the Home Garden. Native to the Coastal Plain, and can be grown throughout South Carolina. Rhizome division. Leaves evergreen, clustered in small rosettes, mixed. Plant firethorns 3 to 4 feet apart. Diatomaceous earth works well on slugs. Or try it indoors as a houseplant. While most ferns average between one and three feet tall and wide, some, such as Many of them are natives, well adjusted to the growing conditions of various Southern regions. BLECHNUM SPP. How Long Do Deviled Eggs Last in the Fridge? In some ferns it can take as long as six months for the first fronds (leaves) to appear after sexual fertilization. Some containers have all the sun. Currently, Georgia is home to 36 genera, 119 species and 12 hybrid ferns. www.coldclimategardening.com/2018/01/24/evergreen-native-ferns It is deciduous and grows in part to full shade in the mountains and piedmont only. If you have a shady yard or want to perk up a shaded spot in your home, at your front door, on your porch, or around your patio, put together a pretty shade-loving container that’s also easy to care for. It slowly spreads to form a reasonable groundcover. 1128 Colleton Ave. Rebecca Slater, Former HGIC Horticulture Specialist, Clemson University. You may also divide if you simply want more plants. Common name: Wood fern, buckler fern, male fern. 919/542-0360 These popular green standbys are versatile garden actors. Prefers constant moisture but can stand some drought. It grows in colonies, which are helpful for preventing soil erosion. http://www.sunlightgardens.com, Woodlanders, Inc. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Most ferns require a moist, shady spot to grow — either in a wooded area or near the north side of a building. Put the right fern in the right place, and it will reward you with vibrant foliage where other plants might fail. Lilyturf (Liriope muscari): This clump-forming evergreen groundcover is ideal for sloped sites or for … Plant Delights Nursery has the largest and best collection of hardy ferns for sale in the United States with a wide selection of both deciduous and evergreen ferns for shade and sun. Clump division. Clump division. Rhizome division. Rhizome division. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyriumniponicum ‘Pictum’): The deciduous fronds of this fern are a mix of silvery-gray, green and burgundy on dark purple stems. Produces light green upright fronds on an open fountain shaped plant. Give it plenty of room, because it spreads easily. Grow in light to full shade. Best practices for dealing with deviled eggs, 70 Wedding Vow Examples That Will Melt Your Heart. Holly ferns grow up to 30 inches tall depending on species. Grow in light to full shade, with constant moisture, anywhere in South Carolina except the coast. It is an evergreen with white flowers in spring and orange-red berries from summer into winter and is popular for Christmas decorations. Spreads by rhizomes into colonies. While most of the ferns discussed here prefer acidic soils with a pH of 4 to 7, both southern and northern maidenhairs as well as ebony spleenwort prefer a more alkaline soil with a pH of 7 to 8. 864/576-1374, Hickory Mountain Plant Farm Rhizome division. Taller species are appealing at the back of a border and can be attractive stand-alone specimens. Blechnum chilense, Zones 7–9) is a rock-star evergreen fern that makes a huge impact in the garden. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/fabulous-ferns.html Provide supplemental water during dry periods. Ferns often possess a grace of form and movement that is unique among garden plants (except for maybe ornamental grasses). Many spread or naturalize through creeping rhizomes, covering a larger area over time. 2055 Polly Sprout Rd. Rhizome division. Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas): This vase-shaped evergreen fern grows 3 to 5 feet tall. Also, in regards to your container, don’t forget to think vertical. Photo: Kathy Salisbury It grows 12 to 24 inches tall on thin, wiry stems. 803/648-7522 Karen Russ, ©2008 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Young plant of marginal wood fern. Edge division involves cutting divisions from the outside edges of a clump. 70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends. Clump division. The cinnamon-colored, spore-bearing fronds that appear in spring give the fern its name. Ferns are very sensitive to over fertilizing, so it is best to use a slow release fertilizer, such as Osmocote 14-14-14. Scaly Male Fern (Dryopteris affinis): This tall, vase shaped, semi-evergreen fern will grow 3 to 4 feet tall. Remove infected plants and destroy them. Plant in sun to full shade, with constant moisture in sun. Have a soil test done to check the pH, and mix ground limestone or crushed oyster shells at recommended rates into the planting area if your soil is acidic. Eventual size. They can summon a prim cottage vibe or a sultry New Orleans-courtyard feeling. Prefers constant moisture but can stand some drought. Flowering month. 174 Golden Ln. We’ve gathered all of our favorite shade-loving containers to inspire your planting this season. Plants like caladiums and creeping Jenny will thrive in the shade, and they’ll also add great color and movement to your planters. It is a very striking fern. Garden Ferns - How To Grow And Care For A Fern Garden Outdoors Prefers constant moisture, but will withstand some drought. A 2- to 3-inch layer of leaves or pine straw, applied in the spring and in the fall, is an excellent mulch for ferns. Photo by Joey Williamson, ©2008 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Upright fronds of ebony spleenwort fern. Chuck Plemmons Perennials See the chart below for cultural requirements of specific ferns. This Southeastern swamp native loves heat and humidity. Grow in light to full shade anywhere in South Carolina. Quick growing. Grow in light to full shade. Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea): This upright, deciduous fern is native throughout South Carolina. Grow in light to full shade. Lacy maidenhair ferns and silvery painted ferns are summer delicacies. This plant often grows in wet soil in the wild, so it is well suited for damp locations. This plant is good for adding texture to gardens located in mountain regions. Tall, upright fronds lend interesting architecture to the landscape. Karen Russ, ©2008 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Frond of broad beech fern. Perennial Ferns Plants for Sale Georgia | Kinsey Family Farm Southern Wood Fern (Dryopteris Ludoviciana): This evergreen fern is native to the Coastal Plains of South Carolina, in swamps and along stream banks. Grow in light to full shade. ): Bold, coarse textured evergreen leaves make these large ferns a feature in the landscape year-round. Mature foliage is well defined and glossy green. Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, www.forestryimages.org, Royal fern, showing brown fertile fronds. Most are found in the tropics. Ever wonder what the little brown dots are on the back of a fern leaf? Broad Beech Fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera): This upright growing, deciduous fern grows 12 to 24 inches tall. This fern prefers to grow in calcareous soils, feels great in the sun and in partial shade. Some ferns we can plant in the landscape are evergreen, and some are deciduous. http://www.woodlanders.net, Southern maidenhair fern. Sensitive fern prefers constant moisture but can stand some drought. Soil type. Clump division. Others, like royal and ostrich ferns, can tower to six feet. 9241 Sauls Rd. Growing 1-2' tall this native evergreen compliments shaded naturalized or formal landscapes. Aiken, SC 29801 The bold texture looks great in a modern garden or a more naturalistic one. Fine textured ferns contrast nicely with the large leaves of hostas, the shiny leaves of hellebores and the colorful leaves of heucheras. How do you know when your ferns need dividing? Some Dryopteris are evergreen and keep their foliage all year round. https://www.fromhousetohome.com/garden/hardy-fern-varieties Fronds grow 18 to 30 inches tall. 865/856-0220, Niche Gardens Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, www.forestryimages.org, Glossy, evergreen holly fern fronds. Grown in light to full shade, with constant moisture, anywhere in South Carolina except the coast. Sun-Loving, Drought-Resistant Ferns. A perennial only in regions with mild winters below USDA Zone 9, this type should be used in planters and annual beds in cooler areas. Rhizome division involves ferns that grow from thick underground stems called rhizomes. For the home gardener, division is the most practical method. Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org, Lady fern frond. While most ferns average between one and three feet tall and wide, some, such as resurrection fern, grow only a few inches tall. Ferns grown in wooded areas benefit from the falling leaves and pine needles in the fall. Fragrance. Happy in damp shade but also in dry shade once established. Try it in a container for a simple wow. Attractive to wildlife. It’s ideal for shady areas where color is desired but flowers are finicky. Evergreen and semi-evergreen ferns help bring form, shape and texture to shady garden areas all year round. Many need plenty of moisture during the growing season and should be given an inch or more of water per week if not supplied by rains. All ferns prefer well-drained soil high in organic matter. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) Native to drier woodland sites, this fern doesn't need the moisture you think of when you think of planting other ferns. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. There are ferns that will grow in every area of South Carolina. A statement plant with its almost shrublike size and showy central stalk, this Ozark native is slow to spread and deer resistant. Edge division. Shorter selections in mass plantings make great ground covers. A compact plant that’s rarely bothered by pests or diseases, it flourishes in rich, well-drained soil. This will help prevent water from filling the holes and rotting the roots. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides): Evergreen, upright, leathery fronds grow 24 to 36 inches tall. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris): While ostrich fern can grow 4 to 6 feet tall in the wild, it is generally shorter in gardens. Most ferns are slow growing and can take several years to reach their mature size. Another good sun-tolerant fern for southern climates is the southern wood fern or Florida shield fern, Dryopteris ludoviciana. Ferns reproduce in a unique way. When its fronds are crushed they emit a smell similar to freshly mown hay. If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. How much sun + Show more filters Special conditions Ready made borders. It thrives in moist, rich soil that leans toward the acid side, yet it can tolerate problem areas with wet soil and heavy shade. It's widely planted in the U.S., and it can be found both indoors (as a houseplant) and out (as a container plant, as a ground cover, or in a hanging basket). Southern Shield Fern (Thelypteris kunthii): This deciduous fern has light green fronds that grow 24 to 36 inches tall. The native wild form of this easy and very useful evergreen fern. Joey Williamson, ©2008 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Stately, vase-shaped form of male fern. For more information, see HGIC 1652, Soil Testing and HGIC 1650, Changing the pH of Your Soil. This is a low growing fern (like the Japanese Sword Fern). Grow in light to full shade, with constant moisture, in the mountains and piedmont only. 828/738-8300 Daniel J. Layton Creative Commons License 3.0, Christmas fern in late fall. Edge division. Maidenhair and ebony spleenwort ferns can sometimes get scale insects, which can be treated with horticultural oil or insecticidal soaps. Hayscented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula): The crushed leaves of this deciduous fern smell like freshly cut hay. Propagate by rhizome division. Propagate by edge division. It grows 24 to 36 inches tall. Fertilizing should be done in spring, just after new growth has begun. When the female organs become fertilized by the male organs, small fern plants begin to grow. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis): Native throughout South Carolina, this large, coarse textured, deciduous fern can grow 3 to 6 feet tall if given ample water. These evergreen ferns are easily grown in average, slightly acidic, medium to wet soils in part shade to full shade. If you’re looking for the best plants for the shade and great flowers that thrive in shade, also reach for impatiens, coleus, sweet potato vines, mazus, vincas, torenias, violas, petunias, pansies, hellebores (Lenten roses), hostas, astilbes, and trilliums. Ask around at your local garden store, and you’ll be able to locate the ingredients and put together any one of these shade-tolerant container ideas. If you’ve noticed that the center of the clump is hollow or dead and/or the leaves are smaller than usual, it’s probably time to divide. A distinctive fern with airy foliage, it thrives naturally among wet limestone boulders and performs best with constant moisture and more alkaline soil. 919/967-0078 As the fuzzy fiddleheads emerge, the tips of the fronds droop backward, forming a tassel shape. Keep it well watered during extreme heat. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Be sure to water during dry spells. https://www.southernliving.com/garden/plants/types-of-ferns It is native throughout South Carolina. This is the only drought-resistant fern that can be content with a Sunny location. HEIGHT: 2 to 5 feetLIGHT: Full to part shade. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. Plant in sun to full shade, with constant moisture if planted in sun. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Low maintenance, prefers consistently moist soil. Many Dryopteris are semi-evergreen (or wintergreen), which means they keep most foliage, especially in warmer areas. You can help reverse … They look great and will thrive in full to partial shade. These wonky plumes are head turners. Its distribution stretches down south through Argentina in the Magellanic sub-polar forests; the closest forests to the South Pole. Rhizome division. Check plants for pest problems before buying. Ferns may also be divided in very early spring, just as the new growth is emerging, if care is taken not to damage the delicate new leaves. grows 2' to 3' high in all areas of SC. Marion, NC 28752-7349 The plant’s blue-green fronds fade to a frosty silver at the tips along deep wine red stems. Greenback, TN 37742 919/772-4794 Indigenous Blechnum spp. HEIGHT: 18 to 24 inchesLIGHT: Full to part shade. This fern is semi-evergreen with fronds reaching to 4 feet. Do not fertilize fall transplants. Prefers constant moisture, but can stand some drought. Facing. Clump division is a method used for ferns with fibrous roots. This large deciduous fern is vase shaped and will reach greatest height with ample water and rich soil. Excellent choice for shaded foundation planting, Although it prefers constant moisture, lady fern can stand some drought. Grow in light to full shade. Depending upon the species, they can be the solutions for tough problem spots, such as a perpetually wet area or a shady corner. Quality garden centers carry a variety of ferns, generally in larger sizes than can be obtained through mail order. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. This specimen spreads well to make a beautiful ground cover, HEIGHT: 12 to 18 inchesLIGHT: Full to part shade. It is a fast grower and can reach a … They grow in light to full shade, and will grow throughout South Carolina. Chilean hard fern (Parablechnum cordatum syn. HEIGHT: 2 feetLIGHT: Part sun to part shade. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. Can be grown throughout South Carolina, except for the coast. Why We Love It: Hardy and fast-growing evergreen. Elegant southern American native fern. Boston ferns are known by the scientific name Nephrolepsis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis'. SHOP ARBORVITAE, PYRAMIDAL FORM. The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) continues to be evergreen even at Christmas time.This is an adaptable species that will grow in almost any situation – shady, rich or poor soil, rubble or compost etc. Karen Russ, ©2008 HGIC, Clemson Extension, Dark, lacy leaves of Japanese tassel fern.