Re: [SG] ferns
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] ferns
- From: F* C* <g*@PDNT.COM>
- Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 00:43:41 -0600
Kris, Harts tongue-Asplenium scolopendrium, holly fern-Cyrtomium falcatum,
most Polystichum, Chelanthes lanosa (Ill. native), Adiantum venustum and
Cheilanthes feei all all hardy and more or less evergreen in central Il. I
do make a practice of dumping addiional leaves on them as the last chore in
early to mid December. Planting the crowns of the evergreen ferns below
ground level without covering the crown help increase hardiness. I have had
holly ferns for 15 years treated in that manner. Covering the fronds with
leaves to prevent dessication during the subzero weather helps them to have
more energy in the spring. There are at least 50 ferns that do well in zone
5.
I highly recommend Fancy Fronds in Seattle. If you are near Mahomet there
is a nursery there that has the silverback fern.
Frank Cooper
east central Illinois
zone 5
