CHRISTMAS FERN AT A GLANCE COMMON NAME: Christmas
fern. Early settlers used this native woodland plant for holiday decorations.
SPECIES:
Polystichum acrostichoides
SIZE: 1-3 feet
tall.
FOLIAGE:
Arching, deep-green fronds. Snow or hard frost may push them over.
EXPOSURE: Light
to full shade.
CULTURE: Moist,
well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Tolerates drier soil if in full shade; needs
extra water if exposed to sun.
PROPAGATION:
Dig and separate slender, branched rhizomes to replant fall or spring. Dig hole wide
enough to spread rhizomes out. Plant so crown is just above soil level. Fill hole with
loose soil; topdress with leafy compost. Ferns also propagated through spores, which have
casings often confused with scale insects, but this is a time-consuming process.
FIND A
FERN
* Other ferns
good for Hampton Roads include cinnamon fern, royal fern, maidenhair fern, ostrich fern,
lady fern, holly fern, Japanese painted fern, autumn fern, chain fern, deer fern, hairy
lip fern, New York fern, sensitive fern, hayscented fern and shield fern.
* River birch
makes a nice companion, sheltering tree for ferns because it, too, likes moist soil.
* To join the
American Fern Society, write David Lellinger, membership secretary, 326 West. St. NW,
Vienna, Va. 22180-4151 or see www.visuallink.net/fern/index.html
.
Sources:
Ferns by Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Ferns for American Gardens by MacMillan Publishing
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