Re: [SG] Maidenhair Fern
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Maidenhair Fern
- From: P* H* <M*@AOL.COM>
- Date: Sun, 31 Jan 1999 06:39:03 EST
In a message dated 1/31/99 3:38:26 AM Central Standard Time,
Cidjohnson@AOL.COM writes:
<<
I'd like to hear more about your use of the sensitive fern. Do you mean
ONOCLEA sensibilis? I've hesitated to introduce this one into my woodland
garden because of how it spreads through out my lawn down by our pond. >>
Yes, ONOCLEA sensibilis or 'Sensitive Fern' the name refers to the plants
response to cold weather in the fall.
This fern does have spreading rhizomes that are located just under or on the
soil surface and in moist soil will spread to form large groups. The foliage
is very attractive and the spore producing fonds make great cut flower
material lasting many years. Plants grow 10-20" tall. If you keep it dryer
soil they do not spread so fast. I have had no problem with mine taking over
the wild garden but then every thing must fend for it's self now.( big remodel
coming up this year) Plants for me spread out about 6-10" a year. One trick
that you can use to contain ferns is to find a five gallon plastic pale and
cut the bottom off and dig it into the soil so that the lip is just above the
soil line, plant the ferns in the pale and cover the lip of the pale with
compost.
This fern should have a place in your garden-unless you have a very small
space.
My 8 year old clump is 15" wide by 36" long.
The only problem they have given me is that they have moved into the white
shooting star seedlings, but I moved them.
They are tough as you say-you can mow them over many times and they will still
keep coming back.
I have posted a video frame if any one wants to see what this fern looks like.
<A HREF="http://hardyplants.com/fern.htm">http://hardyplants.com/fern.htm</A>
