Description

Ferns prefer well-drained soil high in organic matter. Most ferns require a moist, shady spot to grow. 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. Mulch with leaves or aged hardwood bark in the spring and fall. Fern foliage provides food for many butterflies and moths during their caterpillar stage. Maidenhair ferns spread their blue-green fronds horizontally in a nearly perfect circle. Wiry stems are black. Crosiers (coiled young fiddleheads) emerge pink to burgundy in spring. Height: 1-2.5 ft. Spread: 1-1.5 ft. Spreads by: rhizomes (if happy, will form large colonies over time) Family: Pteridaceae Sun: part shade to full shade Water: medium Deer and rabbit resistant