Autumn Fern Care How To Grow Autumn Ferns In The Garden

Adding a few inches of compost, peat moss or leaf mold to the soil at planting time will improve growing conditions and get the fern off to a healthy start. Once established, autumn fern care is minimal. Basically, just provide water as needed so the soil never becomes bone dry, but be careful not to overwater.

What is the best fertilizer for autumn ferns?
How much sun does an autumn fern need?
Does autumn fern multiply?
Do autumn ferns like to be misted?
Can autumn ferns take full sun?
What can be planted with autumn ferns?
Is the autumn fern a perennial?
Should you cut back autumn ferns?
How far apart should autumn ferns be planted?
How do you take care of Autumn fern brilliance?
Is my autumn fern dying?
Why is my autumn fern turning brown?

What is the best fertilizer for autumn ferns?

Ferns are relatively light feeders compared to many other foliage plants. They prefer a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, with micronutrients applied at approximately 200 ppm nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause tip burn on the roots and leaves if the plant becomes dry.

How much sun does an autumn fern need?

The autumn fern grows well in part shade or full shade, but if it appears leggy, move it to a location where it will get a little more sunlight. The plant can tolerate up to two hours of direct sunlight.

Does autumn fern multiply?

They are strictly foliage plants, since they reproduce without flowering. Most ferns used in midwestern and northeastern landscapes are shade loving woodland types, although there are sun tolerant ferns available through specialty catalogs.

Do autumn ferns like to be misted?

Autumn Fern Misting Requirements

Autumn Ferns prefer a more humid environment, so if you live somewhere with drier air you may need to consider misting your Fern. If misting your ferns regularly isn't something you want to do then a humidifier can provide the necessary moisture levels for your fern.

Can autumn ferns take full sun?

This ancient woodland plant thrives in partial or full shade and moist, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. However, autumn fern can tolerate short periods of afternoon sunlight, but won't perform well in intense heat or prolonged sunlight. ... Keep in mind that autumn fern is a naturally slow-growing plant.

What can be planted with autumn ferns?

Acidic Soil Shrubs

The fronds on autumn fern are pink to reddish-colored when young. They provide a striking contrast when planted in woodlawn gardens with both deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees that grow well in acidic soil. Pair autumn fern with balsam and fraser fir (Abies balsamea and A.

Is the autumn fern a perennial?

A bold and beautiful choice for shady borders and woodland gardens. A stunning dwarf fern with a flush of young papery fronds that emerge a copper-red color, then mature to a deep green. Spreads by underground stems. An herbaceous perennial.

Should you cut back autumn ferns?

Pruning, Pests and Disease

In frost-free climates, autumn fern is evergreen. In cool-climate gardens, it dies back slowly with semi-evergreen growth at the crown. Leave the fronds intact over winter, then remove the dead or winter-worn foliage in spring.

How far apart should autumn ferns be planted?

Like most ferns, autumn fern does best in full to partial shade. Plant about 18 inches apart for complete ground coverage. Keep your autumn fern growing at a steady pace by applying a balanced fertilizer at the rate of one pound per 100 square feet in spring before new growth begins.

How do you take care of Autumn fern brilliance?

Plant Needs

This fern thrives in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil and part sun. The soil should remain moist but well-drained, though it will tolerate drier soils once it is established. Mulching plants in the winter will help to conserve moisture and keep weeds from taking hold there.

Is my autumn fern dying?

Ferns usually retain their leaves for 1-2 years, and then the oldest leaves usually turn brown and die back. You know you have a problem if your fern fronds start looking funky sooner than that. ... When dealing with sunburn, the fronds that are browning are the ones at the top of the plant that are exposed to light.

Why is my autumn fern turning brown?

Without adequate humidity, the fronds turn brown and dry. Once this happens, clip out the damaged fronds - they won't recover - and keep the air around the fern as moist as possible. You may also see brown, dry fronds when ferns don't get the right amount of light or when you don't water or fertilize properly.