The Return of Ferns by RICHIE STEFFEN
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The return of ferns BY RICHIE STEFFEN The beautiful evergreen foliage and vase-like form of Dyce’s holly fern (Polystichum × dycei) make a great specimen for the woodland garden. PHOTO BY RICHIE STEFFEN, ELISABETH C. MILLER BOTANICAL GARDEN HE NOTION that all ferns look back to dedicated Japanese and British rosora) is the most popularly grown fern alike has been completely upended growers and gardeners. and for good reason. It is fully evergreen, by a resurgence of exciting new ferns very hardy in USDA zones 6–9, and tol- Tand a broad array of proven performers. erates deep shade to half-day sun. The Tried and true Hardy ferns have been steadily gain- Some of the best ferns for the garden fronds emerge in the late spring with ing popularity and feature prominently in are natives from the Pacific Northwest. bronzy red-orange new growth that is trends favoring a focus on texture, long- Western sword fern (Polystichum muni- slightly more intense on the cultivar lasting landscape interest, shade gardening tum), deer fern (Blechnum spicant) and ‘Brilliance’. A medium-sized fern, it can and container gardening. Over the last Western maidenhair fern (Adiantum aleuti- reach heights as tall as 30 inches, but will decade, a multitude of exciting species cum) are all beautiful, easy to grow and a typically grow to 18–24 inches tall and and beautiful cultivars has hit the market, great place for gardeners to start. But there stays as a loose clump. It is versatile and making now a great time to explore this is much more out there, and many are does not disappoint. time-tested group of plants and see what trouble-free and resilient in the landscape. The Victorian cultivars that survived they have to offer the modern garden. Fortunately, it is easy for anyone to find over the last hundred-plus years were This is not the first time the public has the full range of tried-and-true ferns. Great enduring plants that tolerated neglect. held ferns in high regard. In the mid-1800s, Plant Picks (www.greatplantpicks.org) is The dwarf crisped golden-scaled male fern the Victorians discovered the virtues of a Northwest-based non-profit plant edu- (Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Gracilis’, pic- these exceptional plants and selected hun- cation program run by the Elisabeth C. tured at the top of page 17) and the divided dreds of cultivars, some of which are com- Miller Botanical Garden. GPP has selected leaf soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum mon in our gardens today. Avid growers in 32 ferns that have shown exceptional Divisilobum Group, pictured on page 17) Japan have also contributed greatly to our performance in our climate. A visit to the are great examples. current selection of ferns. website will provide clearly written infor- The dwarf crisped golden-scaled male Many of the new ferns available mation about these great ferns. fern is one of the best small ferns available. are prodigy that can link their existence The autumn fern (Dryopteris eryth- Rarely growing more than 8–12 inches DIGGERMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2017 15 The return of ferns The mint-white fronds of Athyrium ‘Branford Beauty’ can stand up to half a day of sun without burning. Below: The huge, red-tinted fronds of Woodwardia unigemmata make a spectacular statement in any garden. PHOTOS BY RICHIE STEFFEN, ELISABETH C. MILLER BOTANICAL GARDEN tall, the deep, dark green fronds form a tight upright vase shape. It is evergreen but benefits from being cut back in March prior to the new fronds emerging. Try using it in containers or shady rock gardens. The divided leaf soft shield fern, com- monly referred to as “Alaska fern” in the Northwest, is exceptionally easy to grow and has the added bonus of tolerating dry shade. Gracefully forming a wide, low mound, this fern will mature to about 15–18 inches tall and 24–39 inches wide. The soft, feathery fronds look delicate, but they are fully ever- green and do not break easily. Although Alaska fern can be cut back in March, the old fronds look good well into early summer, and often the new fronds will cover the old fading fronds adequately. It is pretty enough to be used as a specimen but also looks great when mass planted. A favorite for creating a bold state- ment is the purple-stemmed royal fern (Osmunda regalis ‘Purpurascens’). This deciduous fern can grow as tall as 6–7 feet in rich, moist soils and bright light, but a more typical size is 4–5 feet tall and nearly as wide. In spring, the fiddleheads emerge reddish-purple and hold the color well into summer. The adaptability of this plant is remarkable, tolerating soil conditions from wet to dry (for short periods) and clay to sand. It is one of the few ferns with surprisingly good fall color, turning a glowing golden yellow. The go-to fern for colorful foliage has always been the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum). This is a several exciting new introductions. Three of Mature plants produce small bulblets on great fern for shade, as it will quickly burn the most spectacular additions to our plant the tips that can be easily rooted. This is a even in partial sun. There are several hybrids palette are Dyce’s holly fern (Polystichum very easy and vigorous fern to grow, and between the beautiful painted fern and the × dycei, shown on previous page), Bevis should become a staple in the industry. tough lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina). soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum One of the best cultivars from the Hybrids such as ‘Ghost’, ‘Branford Beauty’ ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’) and the single jew- Victorian era is Bevis soft shield fern (pictured above) and the recently released, eled chain fern (Woodwardia unigemmata, (P. setiferum ‘Bevis’). Selected for its giant-sized ‘Godzilla’ are proving to be great pictured above). All make exceptional delicate and graceful growth, it is often garden plants that grow best with at least specimens for the garden show with their remarked to be one of the most beautiful some sun, while providing a great, long- bold texture, foliage and form. of the Victorian selections. Reaching about lasting color spot in the landscape. Dyce’s holly fern grows rapidly to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it will develop 24–30 inches tall and a little over 3 feet an evenly layered form that is the essence New and exciting wide, forming a gracefully arching, wide of perfection. This sterile cultivar was quite The choice of ferns available is at a vase shape. The shiny, dark evergreen rare and expensive until it was recently high, and the renewed interest has led to fronds hold up well through the winter. produced through micropropagation. Give 16 FEBRUARY 2017 DIGGERMAGAZINE.COM Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Gracilis’ is a tried and true small fern that is perfect for containers. Below: The lacey, delicate fronds of Polystichum setiferum Divisilobum Group adds a soft and elegant feel to the landscape. Essential for Transplanting PHOTOS BY RICHIE STEFFEN, ELISABETH C. MILLER BOTANICAL GARDEN this fern time to mature: the true elegance Of the newly available species, these will not develop until it is 3–4 years old. four look to have a lot to offer garden- One of the most spectacular and bold ers, growers and retailers: Mairis’s maid- ferns that I have grown is single jeweled enhair fern (Adiantum × mairisii), shiny chain fern. This Asian native has huge, bristle fern (Arachniodes davalliaefor- low-spreading fronds that typically reach mis), Koidzuma’s wood fern (Dryopteris 4–5 feet in length. If provided with rich koidzumiana) and silver saber fern Always ahead in moist soil and a sheltered position, fronds (Polystichum xiphophyllum). science and value. can tip the scales at 8 feet long! If that was Maidenhair ferns have no equal for not enough, the new fronds emerge a deep garden appeal, and hardy forms are few burgundy red, then brighten to blood red and far between. Mairis’s maidenhair fern before gradually maturing to a rich green. is especially wonderful because it will grow This fern can be damaged in a cold winter, best in bright, open shade with up to half so be sure to protect the crowns during a day of sun — without burning the bright early frosts and extended freezing weather. green, delicate-appearing foliage. This DIGGERMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2017 17 Your contribution The return of ferns today helps prepare the nursery industry FOUNDAleaders of tomorrow. Contact the Oregon Association of Nurseries for more information: 503-682-5089 or 888-283-7219. robust grower reaches a modest 15 inches tall and forms a lacy clump over time. The ONF is a nonprofit 503(c)3 corporation. Donations may be tax-deductible; Hardy to USDA Zone 7, it will weather FOUNDA consult a qualified tax attorney or accountant. through most winters with no problem. The forest green leaves of the shiny bristle fern will immediately catch your eye. This smaller fern grows to about 12 inches tall and is clump forming. The leaves are 800.477.4744 very shiny with a uniquely prickly appear- 1076 SW Berg Parkway ance, yet are soft to the touch. The foliage is evergreen and holds up well through Canby, Oregon 97013 the winter, but the new growth is late to emerge in the spring — so be patient! obcnw.com Hardy to USDA Zone 7 and best in bright to open shade, it is well worth trying. If you like red, no other fern can compare with Koidzuma’s wood fern.