Ferns   2008

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Click on the Plant Name for photos.            Click on the Add to Cart Button to order.

All Plants on this page are in Trade Quart Pots (Qt.) which are 1.68Pints (794 ml) liquid measure. 

(Similar to a true nursery quart on top width and height, but tapered to a smaller bottom for lighter shipping.)

$8.99 Qt.  

Adiantum pedatum    Northern Maiden Fern   Zone: 2-8  

An airy fern with fan-shaped fronds held on thin black stipes. Delicate pale green fronds emerge in early spring & turn deep blue-green. Grows in tight clumps that spread to form broad patches. They look delicate but are tough. Produces more fronds all summer. Hardy in containers. 

Soil: Ave. to moist, acid    H: 18" W: 18"   Foliage/Crown: Semi-evergreen/Short creeping crown, Native

$9.99 Qt.  

Arachnoides simplicior 'Variegata'      East Indian Holly Fern     Zone: 6-9   

One of the most remarkable of the hardy ferns. Not only is it gorgeous w/ its dark green leaves w/ a LIME GREEN center but also it's erect & stiff form which withstands the first hard frosts, still erect. THIS FERN IS GORGEOUS!  We consistently sell out of this fern every year!

Soil: Moist, rich    H: 12-36" W: 24"    Deciduous Short-creeping crown

$8.99 Qt. 

Asplenium platyneuron     Fern, Ebony Spleenwort    Zone:3-9    

Doesn't look like much when it's young. But it has a few ENDEARING qualities. It's fertile fronds are upright, poker straight above a 'pool' of flat, EVERGREEN non-fertile fronds. Will take DRY soil. Great for a rock wall. Neutral soil best, any OK.

Soil:  Well-drained, neutral best    H: 8-18"  W: 8"      B/M:   NA

The Athyriums as a group are very heat and humidity tolerant, but young plants need to have their roots kept cool. Athyriums do not push new growth (roots or tops) during winter months and need a longer dormancy period than most plants.  What this means is, they are slow to be rooted in in the Spring.  That is their nature.  When you order in early spring, expect that the Athyrium will arrive dormant - little or no top growth or roots.  Do not be worried about this.  Simply plant them at the level they are in the pot.  They are easy, dependable plants and will start growing when they're ready!  They will appreciate good mulch the first year but do not put Mulch over the crown.

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$8.99 Qt.  

Athryium 'Branford Beauty'    Lady 'Branford' European Fern  Zone: 4-8     

Dramatic hybrid between the Japanese painted fern & European Lady Fern. The result is a splendid, stiffly upright, clump-forming fern. Each leaf has the muted colors of purple, silver, grey, & green suffused through the foliage, which is taller and more delicate than A. niponicum. Makes both a great fern for massing or as a striking specimen plant. 

Soil: Woodland    H: 12-36"   W: 15"  Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

$8.99 Qt.  

Athyrium felix-femina   Western Lady Fern     Zone: 4-9   

Beautiful feathery, lance-shaped fronds. The stem may be green or red. Easy to grow but appreciates protection from the wind. Can take sun if the soil is moist. Reliable and beautiful in the garden. 

Soil: Woodland    H: 12-36" W: 15"    Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

$9.99 Qt.  

Athyrium felix-femina 'Encourage'  Crested Lady or Petticoat Fern  Z: 4-9  

Like the above -- beautiful feathery, lance-shaped fronds -- but with a twist.  The frond tips are crested and tassled so when the 18" long arching fronds reach the ground, all the ruffled frond tips give the effect of a petticoat around the base of the ferns!  Absolutely magical looking. AKA Athyrium filix-femina ‘Vernoniae Cristatum’.  This form has particularly good vigor unlike some.  A select form of US Native Western Lady Fern.

Soil: Woodland         H: 12"  W: 12"         Deciduous  Erect Crown   

Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'       Tatting Fern     (North or NW) ( South)    Zone: 4-9

Just one totally unreal looking fern -- an oddity for sure but a beautiful one!   It's  a treasure with 12-18" long fronds that look like a fuzzy beaded necklace or the elaborate crochet/needlwork form of our Grandmother's era called 'Tatting'.  As a youngster, it looks a little stringy but remember the story of the Ugly Duckling - it applies here.  The Royal Horticulture Society doesn't give the Award of Garden Merit to a plant that doesn't Merit it and this one has it!  

Soil: Woodland    H: 8-12"  W: 8-12"        Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

Athyrium filix-femina 'Victoria'      Lattice Lady Fern       Zone:4-9

The perfect fern for the Architect or Engineer!  It looks like it was created by one!  It's pinnae cross to form X's and if that isn't fancy enough, the tips are crested.   AKA, the 'Queen of Ferns' or dubbed thus during the Victorian fern craze.  The first time we saw this in a friend's garden a Lake Monticello, we were just stunned.  Architectural, structural and yet lacy and delicate at the same time.  There's none other like it.

Soil: Woodland    H: 18-24"  W: 15-18"        Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

New 01-09

$8.99 Qt.  

Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum f. rubellum   Red Stem Lady Fern        Zone:4-9

AKA Athyrium angustum f. rubellum

Soil: Woodland    H: 24-30"  W: 24-30"        Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

Athyrium otophorum      Eared or Auriculate Lady Fern               Zone: 4-9

One of the most distinctive ferns.  Crosiers emerge in the spring burgundy and wine-red with shiny black scales and unfurls into astounding light silery-blue-green frond with maroon-purple stems.  Just loaded with a myriad of colors.  As summer comes, the colors cool to a more solid green but the stems remain maroon.  Not good in the sun - it burns.

Soil: Moist well-draining & humusy soil      H: 12-18"  W: 12-18"    B/M: na

$8.99 Qt.  

Athyrium niponicum   English Red-Stemmed Fern   Zone: 4-8     

The wild cousin to the Japanese Painted Fern, except the fronds are solid green. An easy & reliable plant, useful in a variety of situations, from dry-walls to rockeries and shade gardens. The same distinctive, true fern-like foliage as "Pictum". Has nothing to do with England!!
Soil: Woodland       H: 8-20" W: 12"     Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

It's not unusual, late in the season, after an extremely hot summer, for the various 'Painted Ferns' to develop fairly green foliage.  This occurs much more in pots:   Above ground, in pots, the roots get so much hotter than if they were in the ground.  Any Fall foliage that grows, and of course, foliage the next spring will return to it's lovely 'painted' grays, burgundies, etc.  The 'greening' is only temporary.

$8.99 Qt.  

Athyrium niponicum 'Montpelier'    Dwarf Japanese Painted Fern    Zone: 4-8    

As above but very dwarf.  About 8-10" tall.  Absolutely charming form from James Madison's Montpelier home.  Collected, of course, with permission.  We have, over the years, assisted in various ways with the restoration of these gardens.

Soil: Woodland       H: 8-10" W:     Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

$8.99 Qt.  

Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'    Japanese Painted Fern    Zone: 4-8    

One of the most striking of the woodland ferns and still a classic even with all the new forms. Fronds are grayish with maroon highlights. Easy and reliable. Deciduous. A gorgeous relative of the Lady Fern and just as dependable. Plant in acid soil and bright light but not full sun to develop the best color. 

Soil: Woodland      H: 8-20" W:      Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Erect

$9.99 Qt. 

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Burgundy Lace' PP15072   Burgundy Lace Painted Fern  Z:4-8  

"This plant gets more hearts pounding than a Victoria’s Secret catalogue! Gorgeous burgundy leaves! It is hard to believe that we could select a more amazing color. This has people panting in our garden." Terra Nova  The new leaves are purple with silver stripes on the tips and vein lines and, as they mature, they change to a contrasting silvery green with purple midribs.  Forms an absolutely stunning clump in the shade garden.

Soil: Woodland          H: 12" W:15"        Foliage/Crown: Deciduous, Non-Creeping Crown 

$9.99 Qt.

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Silver Falls’ PP12803  Silver Falls Painted Fern  Z:4-8 

A salute to “silvertude” with stunning, lustrous fronds that shimmer with its contrasting red veins. Named after a set of famous Oregon waterfalls. Unlike any other painted fern, this one intensifies its silvering as the season progresses! Winner of the 2002 “Stars of Spring” awards in New Zealand. Later to appear in the spring than the other Japanese ferns.

Soil: Woodland          H: 15" W:12"        Foliage/Crown: Deciduous, Non-Creeping Crown 

$8.99 Qt.

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Ursula’s Red’  Ursula's Red Japanese Painted Fern  Z: 4-8  

"This fern heralds its emergence in spring with broad silver leaves traced and flushed with wine red down the center. Summer color has less red. From plantswoman Ursula Herz of South Carolina. A dynamite seller at Wayside Gardens!" Terra Nova   Literally looks as though it was hand painted and the foliage intensifies as summer progresses.

Soil: Woodland          H:12" W:16"        Foliage/Crown: Deciduous, Non-Creeping Crown 

New 2/14

$8.99 Qt.

Blechnum spicant     Deer or Hard Fern       Zone:5-8

A wonderful, creeping fern with a compact growth habit - like a miniature Sword Fern.  Called 'Hard' fern because it has tough leathery fronds (but it's beautiful)!  Ladder shaped 18" long sterile fronds form a loose evergreen rosette  around more upright, 36" tall fertile central fronds.  Received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.  Will grow in tough spots, like under Cedars where other ferns won't grow and actually prefer full shade but are tolerant of everything but full sun.

Soil: Dry to moist, humus rich, acid     H: 36"  W: 36"     B/M: na

$11.99 Qt. 

Botrychium multifidum  -  Leatherleaf Grape Fern      Zone: 3- 7  

Growing in nature in forest clearings, old fields and other sunny, grassy sites. It is also found in deciduous forests, although it is often sterile there. This rare woodland fern has 3 broadly triangular blades which are born close to the ground.  The sterile blade arises very close to the ground and the casual observer that the fertile stem and sterile stem are arising separately.  A woodland jewel.

Soil:  Moist but well-drained     H: 6-8"  W: 8"       

New 2/14

$22.99 Qt. 

Coniogramme emeiensis 'Variegata'       Variegated Chinese Bamboo Fern     Z: 8-10      

Keyed in August of 2005 by Dr. Dick Weaver, it's one of the most rare plants we have.   Coniogrammes grow at middle elevations in Asia and even Hawaii, hardy probably in zones 8-10.  We'll try to plant one this winter in Zone 7A -- most of our gardens -- and 7B one spot near our house and a brick wall that's warmer than the rest of our gardens  and see how they do.  For the fern lover, it's fronds are twice pinnate and the veins are free. We've been growing it for years under the incorrect name.  It's a strong grower and quite unlike any other fern in the trade.

Note on Zone 1-16-06 -- these have remained evergreen and happy in our unheated greenhouse.  We've had temperatures down to 14 degrees!  Obviously, it's a little warmer in a greenhouse than outside but the doors remain open so it's not a lot warmer.  It can take probably 20 degrees for a least short periods and remain evergreen.

Soil: Well-drained          H:  24-36" W: Indef.       Foliage/Crown:  Deciduous, Creeping Erect

Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum       Japanese Holly Fern          Zone: 6-10

Generally reaching 24" when well grown, this fern has a unique look all of itself.  Shiny, stiff pinnae look almost like holly foliage with fringe!   Vase-shaped fronds 1-2.5' long.  Will survive in Zone 5 with protection according to MOBOT.  Native to China, Japan and India.  Although not the typical fern, it's one of the most popular ferns and definitely one of the most lovely.  Easy as long as the soil is well-drained.  It won't tolerate poorly drained soil in winter.

Soil: Moist, humusy well-drained      H:18-24"  W:24-30"      B/M: na

$8.99 Qt.  

Dennstaedtia punctilobula   Hayscented Fern   Zone 3-8      (in the north)  

A wonderful East Coast Native groundcover fern that can carpet a woodland area in colonies.  Gives off, even from a distance, the distinct smell of newly mown hay but especially so if a frond is crushed.  Similar in look and habit to New York Fern but Hayscented Fern has a triangular shaped frond -- wide at the base -- and New York fern tapers at the base to tiny leaflets.  Light, lacy green fronds.  Very adaptable, drought tolerant.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, acid    H:18"-24"   W: Slowly indef.    Foliage/Crown: Deciduous/Short-creeping crown.

Diplazium pycnocarpon    Narrow Leaf Glade Fern         Zone: 4-9

We just love this fern, Native through the center of the US from Minnesota to Louisiana.  It's clump-forming and easy to grow with 36" long arching sterile fronds which form an imposing clump 36-48" wide.  The fertile fronds stand erect in the middle of this impressive fern with somewhat crinkled smaller fertile pinnae due to the Chevron pattern of spore producing sori on the back. Formally Athyrium pycnocarpon.

Soil: Moist but well-drained     H: 24-36"  W: 36-48"     B/M: na

Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'    King of Male Ferns        Zone: 5-9

Crested, arching fronds on a fern that the great Victorian pteridologist, Thomas Moore  called ' The King of Male Ferns'. Evergreen in warmer areas.  This is possibly the most stunning fern we've ever encountered.  The crests are twisted at the tip giving this handsome fern both the sturdy stature inherent in the male fern with a frilly touch from the crests.

Soil: Rich, moist but well-drained       H: 24-36"  W: 24-36"       B/M: na  

deep south

$8.99 Qt.  

Dryopteris celsa    Log Fern    Zone: 5-9     

A very rare native. Easy to grow; ok in dry soil. Glorious in moist or well-watered acid soil. A cross between Goldie's Fern and D. ludoviciana. Rich, dark green color and long, slender pinna tips. A beautiful, erect fern.  Remains evergreen in all but coldest winter. Excellent fern. 

Soil: Moist, rich, acid      H: 36-48" W:       Foliage/Crown: Semi-evergreen/ Short-creeping crown.    

$8.99 Qt.

Dryopteris cycadina (D. atrata)    Shaggy Shield Fern           Zone: 5-8       

The common names derive from the dense covering of slender, black scales on the stipe and rachis. Stiff, leathery frond. Native to Japan, Taiwan, China and northern India. AKA, Black Wood Fern. A very erect, formal looking fern.  Drought tolerant when established.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich, acid       H: 18-36"   W: 18-36"     B/M: na

$8.99 Qt.

Dryopteris dilatata 'Lepidota Cristata'   Dissected Crested Broad Wood Fern    Zone: 4-8   

The species is a deep rich green, almost a blue-green at times and get its name from its broadly triangular fronds when young. Adaptable and easy to grow but prefers acid soil with lots of organic matter. A vigorous grower. Finely dissected, minutely crested form. The fronds are 12-18" long with reddish brown scales on the stipe and rachis.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich, acid      H: 12-18"   W:       

$8.99 Qt.  

Dryopteris erythrosora    Autumn or Japanese Sword Fern    Zone: 5-8    

Distinguished by its bronze young foliage. One of the BEST and easiest ferns to grows. Stays erect and EVERGREEN throughout the winter. Even in bitter winter weather, ours is ASTOUNDING LOOKING all winter. Specimen plant or breathtaking in mass!

Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich, acid   H: 18-24" W:    Foliage/Crown: Evergreen/Short creeping crown

New 2008

$9.99 Qt.  

Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'     Autumn or Japanese Sword Fern      Zone: 5-8    

A new form of Autumn Fern (as above) but with newly emerging foliage that is a brighter orange red and it holds this color longer after emerging.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich, acid   H: 18-24" W:    Foliage/Crown: Evergreen/Short creeping crown

$8.99 Qt. 

Dryopteris filix-mas   Male Fern      Zone: 4-8      

One of the best known and most STATELY wood ferns. Quite sun tolerant. The crown multiplies & should be divided frequently or you will loose the symmetry. ENDANGERED & RARE in the wild due to commercial collection. Not ours of course! Semi-evergreen. 

Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich, acid   H: 24-48" W: 36" Foliage/Crown: Semi-evergreen/ Erect

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Parsley'   Parsley Leaf Male Fern            Zone: 4-8

A plant from famed fern growers, Casa Flora, introduced to them by a customer and put in production because it was so stunning.  Crinkled, crested dark green foliage and every frond is DIFFERENT!  If you can't make up your mind which fern you want -- try this one!  Crown/clump forming.  Semi-evergreen.

Soil: Moist but well-drained     H:18-24"  W:     B/M: na

$8.99 Qt. 

Dryopteris marginalis   Leather or Eastern Wood Fern    Zone: 2-8     

Sturdy, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for cultivation. The rhizome is a broad, erect crown at ground level; slow to branch so this species makes a large, single-crowned specimen. W/ bluish-green fronds, a most attractive fern. AKA Marginal Wood Fern. Don't sink crown deep.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, rich,acid   H: 18-30" W:  Foliage/Crown:  EVERGREEN/Erect Crown

New 2008

$9.99 Qt. 

Dryopteris tokyoensis    Sword-leaved Wood Fern, Tokyo Wood Fern     Zone: 5-8       

From the woodlands across Korea, comes a seldom seen but wonderful, easy to grow deciduous woodland fern.  Lovely fronds to 24" and to 6" wide that are one of the most upright and vase shaped.  Somewhat slow growing but fabulous when mature with it more formal upright form.

Soil: Moist but well-drained     H: 18-36" W: 18-36"        B/M: na

$9.99 Qt. 

Lygodium palmatum      Hartford Climbing Fern       Zone: 3-10      

Very challenging to grow but worth it! Needs MOIST, ACID soil. Occurs in sandy bogs and swamps in the Eastern & Southern US. The first ever plant-conservation law in the US was for this plant in 1869 in Connecticut!  Not all tap water is suitable for watering -- so it's best to use rainwater or well-water if it doesn't have a high pH or best, plant it in a naturally moist spot. Does best in moderately good light as opposed to deep shade. Will even take sun in a constantly moist spot.

Soil:  Moist, acid  pH 5-6        H: 4-15' depending on support W: Indef.    

$9.99 Qt. 

Dryopteris x remota   Scaly Buckler, Shield or Remote Wood Fern        Zone: 4-8      

A RARE fertile hybrid of D. affines and D. expansa which occurs naturally in the wild in Europe (no, we didn't go to Europe and dig them -- these are spore produced).  This large fern is erect with medium green fronds and contrasting shaggy, golden brown central stipes (fern lingo for stems).  The rhizomes form an erect rather than spreading crown.   Easy to grow

Soil: Average     H: 24-30"  W: 18-24"  

"I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with my order that I received last week.  I ordered 3 Ostrich Ferns and a few vines.  All 5 plants arrived in perfect condition, no doubt due to your simple yet bulletproof packing design, something that too many others neglect.  The plants are already showing signs of good new growth ever with our weird late (cold) spring weather here in Minnesota this year.  I'm sure this won't be the last time I order from your huge selection!"

Erik gardens in Minneapolis, MN  05-08

$10.99 Qt.

Matteuccia struthiopteris 'Jumbo'      The King Ostrich Fern           Zone: 2-8

If you love Ostrich ferns and agree that bigger is better, than you're in luck!  The King's enormous crown and fronds are 50% larger than our native Ostrich fern.  Much more in scale if you have dinosaurs in your yard!  Easy to grow and also more heat than the species.  

Soil: Moist, rich        H: 3-7'  W: 3-7'         B/M:  na

$8.99 Qt. 

Onoclea sensibilis     Sensitive Fern   Zone: (3)4-8     

Un-fernlike looking. Great groundcover because it spreads readily providing a carpet of pale-sea green fronds. Persistent fertile fronds look like beads on a stick. Dried arrangements; winter interest. 'Sensitive' because it is killed by frost. Takes SUN if MOIST. 

Soil: Ave to Moist      H: 12-30"  W: Indef.     Foliage/Crown: Deciduous Creeping 

$8.99 Qt.