This vigorously growing native woodland fern quickly fills an area.
Hay-scented fernis a deciduous plant with lacy green fronds in the spring and summer.
The fronds smell faintly like freshly mown hay when brushed, crushed, or bruised.
In the fall, the fronds turn a soft golden yellow.
Gardeners whove had their native plantings decimated by deer will appreciate that hay-scented fern is deer-resistant.
Where to Plant Hay-Scented Fern
Plant the fern in a location with partial shade.
The soil quality is secondaryhay-scented ferngrows in a wide range of soils and pH from acidic to neutral.
Good drainage, on the other hand, is key.
Hay-scented fern suits woodland areas, shade gardens, and cottage gardens.
Because the fern forms dense colonies, it is also a good choice for erosion control.
It is even used as a low-maintenance, ecologically friendly turfgrass replacement that can be installed as sod.
How and When to Plant Hay-Scented Fern
Plant hay-scented fern in the spring.
Dig a hole as deep as the fern’s rootball and twice as wide.
Backfill the hole with original soil or a combination of original soil and leaf mold.
Spread a 2-inch-thicklayer of mulch around the plantbase to prevent evaporation of soil moisture.
Space ferns 18 inches apart.
Hay-Scented Fern Care Tips
Once the fern is established, it is mostly maintenance-free.
Light
The fern prospers in full to partial shade.
If the soil is consistently moist, it also grows infull sun, preferably morning sun.
The same applies to thepH levelanywhere between 4.5 and 6.8 is acceptable.
Hay-scented fern growing in poor soil benefits from a springtime tool ofslow-release all-purpose garden fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is optional.
If you leave the foliage, the new growth in the spring will push right through the dead foliage.
Pests and Problems
The fern is not affected by any serious pests or diseases.
How to Propagate Hay-Scented Fern
It is easy to propagate hay-scented fern from an established colony.
This is best done in the spring, just as the new growing season has started.
Keep the plants well-watered during the first growing season.
The fern will grow to its full size in the second year.
American Hornbeam
American hornbeamis a native tree with multi-season interest.
It is a slow-growing tree that eventually gets 20 to 35 feet tall.
Because of its thorns, it is best planted in areas away from walkways or where children play.
Tulip trees make good overstory trees for native shrubs that thrive in partial shade.
The fronds also differ.
