This native fern thrives in shady, moist areas.
After shedding their spores in late summer, the fertile fronds die back.
They’ll shine all summer long before turning yellow and dying back for the winter.
Credit: Mike Jensen
The fronds leave enough room for contrasting underplantings such as spotteddeadnettle.
It also grows well in shaded borders, woodland gardens, native plant gardens, and bogs.
(It’s found wild in the Eastern United States and Canada.)
Credit: Mike Jensen
Online stores can help.
How and When to Plant Cinnamon Fern
Plant cinnamon fern in spring or early fall.
Add some compost ororganic materialto the backfill.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Place the root crown just above soil level and fill with amended soil.
Space several specimens three feet apart to accommodate full growth of each plant.
It can take several years for this plant to become established.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Once mature and in optimal conditions, cinnamon fern may spread and naturalize in your landscape.
Cinnamon Fern Care Tips
Light
Cinnamon fern performs best is partial to full shade.
In colder climates, it may tolerate full sun as long as itlives in consistently moist soil.
Credit: Julie Maris Semarco
Soil and Water
In its natural habitat, cinnamon fern grows along streambeds.
So in your landscape, it should be planted in moist, humus-rich, acidic-to-average soil.
It may be able to handle standing water now and then but well-draining soil is best.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve soil moisture.
Humidity is not an issue for this tough plant.
Ferns are sensitive to fertilizer so opt for a slow-release throw in.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Select a pot with large drainage holes and use well-draining potting soil.
Site the plant in a shady spot that’s protected from strong winds.
Keep in mind that potted plants, unlike plants in the landscape, require more frequent watering and fertilization.
As a protective measure, winterize the pots by sinking the container into the ground.
Repot the plants when they begin to reach the sides of the pot or growth emerges from drainage holes.
Choose a container one size larger that the current pot and fill it with fresh potting mix.
Move the plant to the new pot and water well to settle it in its new home.
Pests and Problems
Cinnamon fern is not prone to any pests or diseases.
Cinnamon fern isdeer resistant.
These roots are sometimes harvested and used as a potting medium fororchidsand other epiphytes.
you could dig up the rhizomes every few years and divide them to create more plants.
The best time to dig anddivide cinnamon fern is in the spring, just as the new growth emerges.
With the rhizomes exposed, use a sharp knife to cut them into pieces with roots attached.
Keep the divided plants well watered after replanting.
it’s possible for you to alsoadd new sporesto potting medium, where they’ll develop into full-fledged ferns.
It prefers moist soils, but with its extensive root system, it also tolerates drought well.
It is a large plant, growing 4 to 6 feet tall.
Closely related, hardy ageratum is a spreading plant that grows to only 2 feet tall.
Another relative, white snakeroot, reaches 4 to 5 feet tall.
All are great for naturalistic or cottage plantings and for attracting butterflies.
All have the classic, impossibly intricate flowers.
The falls may be “bearded” or not.
Some cultivars bloom a second time in late summer.
Some species prefer alkaline soil, while others prefer acidic soil.
In fact, lobelia even loves downright wet conditions, making it a top choice for bog gardens.
The foliage is a handsome rich green to sometimes dark reddish purple.
The plant produces striking spikes of flowers in all shades of red, pink, blue, and white.
Lobelia needs humus-rich soil.
Hostas in new sizes and touting new foliage features seem to appear each year.
Some are intensely fragrant.
Hostas are a favorite of slugs and deer.
It’s because of the cinnamon-color fibers near the base of the plant.
They should be divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
you’re free to expect your plant to live for about 15 years.
