Lady ferns add a touch of soft greenery to your shade garden.
)are an exception and deserve greater use where they are hardy.
While they require ample moisture, theyreexcellent starter fernsfor those looking to bring ferns into their landscape.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
Where to Plant Lady Ferns
Unlike many plants, lady ferns are tolerant of shade.
Plant lady ferns inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones4-9 in moist, loamy,well-draining soil.
How and When to Plant Lady Ferns
For best results, plant lady ferns in late spring.
Credit:Matthew Benson
Remove the fern from the container, being careful not to damage or disturb the roots.
When planting multiple ferns, space them 2 feet apart.
Position the bare-root plant in the hole so the crown is located a half-inch below the soil surface.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Cover with soil and water well.
A location under the dappled light of a shade tree with morning sun is ideal.
Keep plants watered throughout the growing season to avoid premature dieback in summer heat.
Credit:Andre Baranowski
Plants grown in Zone 9 may experience early summer dieback due to heat, even in humid locations.
Fertilizer
While ferns respond well to fertilizer, they do not require heavy amounts to thrive.
Use anorganic liquid foliar fertilizer, following the product instructions, every three weeks during the growing season.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Pruning
Aside from removing broken fronds, lady ferns do not require pruning.
Pests and Problems
Lady ferns are typically pest-free plants that require minimal maintenance once established.
Spores:Prepare a plastic pot about three-quarters full withthoroughly moistened potting soil.
Identify fertile fronds on the lady fern.
Spores appear on the underside of fronds on mature plants and have a rusty, dustlike appearance.
Using a white piece of paper to catch spores, gently tap on the fronds to dislodge the spores.
Be careful, as the spores are very light and can easily blow away.
Gently and evenly shake the spores onto the prepared potting soil and let them settle.
In one to six months, small green masses will appear on the soil surface.
Gently remove the plant from the soil and locate the individual growth points.
Replant each division in its own pot or a prepared garden bed immediately.
The fern grows to 2 feet tall and wide.
Avoid planting lady ferns with overly large, sprawling plants that might overtake them or block their view.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, lady ferns are not poisonous.
In fact, lady fern fiddleheads (new shoots) are edible.
Heat, exposure to dry winds, and dry soil will eventually lead to tattered fronds.
