Garden fernsare an unusual group of plants, among which we can find a we alth of forms and shades of green. They are perfect for gardens shrouded in shade, and they look especially beautiful by the water and in naturalistic compositions. Meet the most beautifulspecies and varieties of garden ferns , learnhow to grow ferns in the gardenso that they grow he althily for many years and see what it looks likereproduction of garden ferns
Garden ferns
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Garden ferns - recommended species and varieties
One of the most famous garden ferns isostrich plume(Matteuccia struthiopteris). This species occurs in Poland naturally in wet deciduous forests, where it grows in large clusters. Reaches up to 1 m in height and grows with the help of underground rhizomes. It is characterized by a very rapid growth. It is a very expansive plant, so it should only be planted in large gardens.
The second very popular species of fern ismale fern(Dryopteris filix-mas). Its leaves are 150 cm long. It forms dense clumps and is not expansive in nature.A variety of the male handpiece 'Linearis Polydactylon'has interesting, openwork, deeply cut leaves.
Another widely known species of ferns isroyal dugout(Osmunda regalis). It is one of the most beautiful domestic ferns, but very rarely found in nature in our country. It can be found in peat bogs and in wet forests.In nature, the royal Dlugosz is under strict species protection.
Among the most decorative garden ferns are : Adiantum pedatum (Adiantum pedatum), bristle-toothed fern (Polystichum setiferum), sensitive onoclea (Onoclea sensibilis), fragile fern (Cystopteris fragilis), Roberta's shroom (Gymnocarpium robertianumnocarpium ) and the Japanese common room (Athyrium nipponicum), especially its interestingly colored 'Pictum' variety.
Especiallya valuable group of garden ferns are evergreen speciesThe ferns with always green leaves are numerous native species, such as: the common tongue ( Asplenium scolopendrium ) with unusual, for a group of ferns, whole, lingual, leathery leaves, ribbed root (Blechnum spicant), sea scallion (Blechnum penna-marina), rock fern (Asplenium trichomanes) and common fern (Polypodium vulgare) and a rather popular cultivar fern bristle-toothed (Polystichinosa setiferum) ), but not found in the wild in Poland.
A list of the most popular species andmost interesting varieties of garden fernsis presented in the table.
Download a printable version of the garden ferns:
- Species and varieties of garden ferns (PDF)
Garden ferns - requirements and cultivation
Most ferns grow best in cool, shady and semi-shaded places , under shrubs and tree canopy. Some species, such as the rock parchment or the male fern, also do well in the sun.Ferns tolerate any type of soilHowever, humus soil is best, moist but permeable.
Ferns have the greatest demands on the pH of the soil.Most species of ferns require slightly acidic or acidic soilExtremely acidic soil requires: royal fern, common fern, sensitive onoclea and sprinkling. Among garden ferns there are also species that prefer calcareous soils , e.g. common tongue, rock fern, Robert's brittle or thin fern.
Ferns have shallow roots, so you need to grow them in damp places , preferably near the shores of water reservoirs. If necessary, especially in summer, ferns should be watered regularly so as not to expose them to drying out. To reduce water evaporation from the soil and to avoid overheating,mulch ferns, preferably with coniferous bark or needles
Fern by the pond
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Caring for garden fernsis not difficult. Ferns grown on humus soil do not even require fertilization. However, in order to improve growth in spring, ferns can be fed with a compound fertilizer or compost once.
Ferns, being mostly forest plants, tolerate fallen leaves and needles well, which are their natural winter cover and an important source of humus.Ferns that do not grow under trees need to be provided with a layer of leaves or leaf soil to compensate for the lack of this natural bedding, and to mound in the fall. Leaves that die in autumn should also be left on plants because, like tree leaves, they act as a natural cover against frost. You can remove them in spring.Leaves of evergreen ferns are also pruned only in early springwhen young leaf growth is visible.
Fern by the garden path
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Garden ferns can be planted throughout the growing seasonBefore planting ferns, the substrate should be enriched with compost, high peat, sand, conifer bark and, in the case of calcareous ferns, a calcareous substrate. It is best to replant ferns in early spring.
Garden ferns - reproduction
Garden ferns are most easily propagated by dividing carp This is done in early spring, when the young, pastorally curled leaves begin to emerge. Then the carp is dug out of the ground and then divided with a spade into several parts. The seedlings are planted in a permanent place as soon as possible, the substrate is firmly pressed around the roots and then watered abundantly.
Some species of ferns (e.g. the common tongue)can be propagated by leaf cuttings . It is enough to tear off the leaf, which is then placed directly in the moist substrate. Usually, after a dozen or so weeks, young plants begin to grow at its base.
Ferns also reproduce on their ownby spores and rootstocks.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
