Extension

Gardeners looking for something a little different to grow can consider growing ferns. Why? Because ferns provide a delicate and airy quality to a shade garden.

 

Ferns are synonymous with forested areas. They typically grow in wooded areas where the environment is ideal for growth, but with some work, can grow in other parts of Oklahoma. Ferns prefer areas that are shaded and have dependable moisture, along with loose, crumbly soil that is acidic to neutral in pH.

 

Ferns suitable for Oklahoma are tolerant of cold and heat extremes. Some can be grown in all parts of the state. While most will grow in shade, there are a few that will grow in full sun as long as moisture is constantly available.

 

The fine texture of ferns is a pleasing contrast with perennials such as hostas that have large leaves. Ferns also look good mixed in with the shiny leaves of hellebores or the colorful leaves of coral bells.

 

Some ferns, when conditions are favorable, can be aggressive spreaders, which makes them great groundcovers. Most ferns grow between 1 and 3 feet tall and wide, some grow only a few inches, and some can reach up to 6 feet tall.

 

When choosing a site for ferns, think shade for the most part. This can be under a tree in the landscape, a wooded area or the north side of a structure. Most ferns will need at least an inch or more of moisture during the peak of summer when rainfall is sparse.

 

Gardeners who have heavy clay soil will need to incorporate organic matter to improve drainage. Sandy soil can also benefit from organic matter. It’s a good idea to prepare large areas for ferns as opposed to just amending individual planting holes. The soil's pH level should be below 7; however, a few varieties prefer a slightly alkaline soil with a pH above 7. Gardeners may want to conduct a soil test to check the pH level and adjust nutrient levels.

 

As with many garden plants, ferns benefit from mulch. In wooded areas, the fallen leaves from trees will work as mulch. In other areas, apply around 2 to 3 inches of mulch in the spring and fall.

 

A unique aspect of ferns is that they don’t grow from seeds – instead, they grow from spores. Look closely at a fertile fern leaf and you’ll see brown dots. These are spore cases called sporangia. Each of these dots is full of many spores. They’re released into the air and when they land in a suitable spot they germinate. Some ferns can take as long as six months for the first fronds to appear after fertilization.