Re: FW: Painted Ferns (growing them)
Hello Bobbi, Diann,
Nope... not just you and your observations. Japanese Painted fern is pretty
variable. There are quite a few variations on a theme out there. Depends upon who
the original fern came from and whether your wholesale ferns are coming from a
grower who uses spore or tissue culture... and the fern they selected as parent.
Also, age, fertility of soil, moisture and light can all effect the coloration
of the ferns. The ones I have growing in lots of light in decent soil are darker
in color than the ones in poor soil, bit more on the dry side and less with are
more silver in color.
I have them popping up in my crested iris groundcovers from spore, between
rocks. The mature one that sprang up right next to a planted one is far more dark
in color, larger in height and has more burgundy on the stems and fronds. These
two are in large rocks inside the drip-line of an old cedar.... bit on the dry
side, and they do very well with little burn during August.
Earlier this year we talked about the amount of color in JPF and named forms.
I have Japanese Painted fern out here growing side by side with JPF 'Ursulas Red'
in the nursery display area.... there is definitely a dramatic difference in
coloration.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Bobbi Diehl <diehlr@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject: Re: [SG] FW: [SG] Painted Ferns (growing them)
> Well, I just mean they all look different. No two are alike. Some have
> brighter markings than others. Markings on leaves, color of stems... lots
> of maroon and silver on some, less so on others. Maybe it's just me...
>
> Bobbi
>
> On Wed, 4 Oct 2000, Diann Barbee Thoma wrote:
>
> > Bobbi, can you address your comment below that "Japanese painted ferns vary
> > so much"? I'm interested in this on a broader level, actually, but would be
> > happy to start specific. What varies, and why?
> >
