Information About Autumn Ferns

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.

How much water does an autumn fern need?
How much sun can an autumn fern take?
Can autumn fern take sun?
Does autumn fern multiply?
Should I cut back autumn ferns?
Is autumn fern poisonous?
Is autumn fern a perennial?
How tall will autumn fern get?
What is the best fertilizer for autumn ferns?
How far apart should autumn ferns be planted?
Is autumn fern poisonous to cats?
Will my autumn fern come back?

How much water does an autumn fern need?

Water every 5 to 7 days depending on light and temperature. Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.

How much sun can an autumn fern take?

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.

Can autumn fern take 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.

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.

Should I 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.

Is autumn fern poisonous?

Some parts of this plant are known to be toxic to animals and humans.

Is autumn fern a perennial?

How tall will autumn fern get?

Autumn fern is a normal looking fern with twice divided fronds that grow about 2 feet in length. For me, plants reach 18 inches in height with a 24-inch spread in five years.

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 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.

Is autumn fern poisonous to cats?

This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

Will my autumn fern come back?

Yes, an Autumn Fern is a perennial plant meaning that although it dies away in the winter it will grow back in the spring time and requires minimal care from you.