HARDY FERNS
Ferns are very old plants - they have been around for 360 million years, longer even than the dinosaurs. Though primitive plants, having not evolved flowers, they are one of the great success stories of the plant world; from diminutive floating plants to giant tree ferns, they are found all over the world.
From a gardening point of view, they came to the fore in the Victorian era when there was a craze in collecting species and varieties from all over the world, (specifically known as 'Pteridomania'). As with all crazes, the fern craze went out of fashion, but they are now becoming popular again, and certainly qualify a place in most gardens in terms of both habitat and design.
Most gardens have a cool, shady, damp spot, ideal for hostas and the like. Here, the delicately cut fresh green fern fronds make an ideal contrast to bolder foliage and flowers. Many are evergreen, the fronds still looking good the following winter into early spring, and make excellent container plants, having a long season of interest. We tend to think of fern fronds being typically finely cut and lacy, but there are some species with bolder, almost unfern-like foliage.
The neat geometric arrangement of the fronds, and the way they unfurl in spring, resembling croziers or fiddleheads, are one of the many fascinating and rewarding aspects of growing ferns.
The reproductive habits are equally fascinating - those interested will find graphic explanations in books & the internet. From a practical point of view, the gardener needs to know that ferns reproduce by spores which are produced by special structures usually on the underside of the fronds - these should not be mistaken for a disease or pest problem. They are usually regularly and neatly arranged, so there should be no confusion. The reproductive process requires moist conditions, so ferns are associated with and are more widely found in wetter climates; however many species will grow well in drier parts, some even tolerating dry shade, though you are less likely to find baby plants, or sporelings, in these conditions.
Most ferns need moisture retentive soil, but with a few exceptions, will not like waterlogged conditions. Being typically woodland plants they relish leaf mould, if you have it, compost if you haven't. They will grow in full shade, but many will take brighter spots, but still need shade from hot sun.
When planting, don't bury the crown - but make sure it is at the same level with the soil as it was in its pot, and make sure the rootball is mulched. Cut off tired and dead fronds in spring before the new fronds get going. When you take the plant out of its pot, check the roots - healthy, growing roots should have noticeably yellowish tips.
They suffer few pest and disease problems, and should be protected from pesticides, as these can scorch the foliage.