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Hardy ferns

Immerse yourself in the resilience and grace of winter-hardy ferns, a collection that Heijnen Plants proudly curates for the discerning gardener. Each fern in our selection is a testament to nature's tenacity, braving the chill to bring verdant life to your garden year-round. With an array of textures and forms, these ferns offer a lush, green retreat even in the coldest months. Explore our range to find the perfect species that will thrive in your unique garden landscape.

50cm

Asplenium scolopendrium Hart's tongue fern

5-10cm

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4^50From

50cm

Blechnum spicant Hard fern

5-10cm

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4^50From

50cm

Cyrtomium falcatum Japanese holly fern

5-10cm

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4^20From

50cm

Dryopteris erythrosora Copper shield fern

5-10cm

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3^95From

120cm

Dryopteris filix-mas Male fern

5-10cm

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3^95From

100cm

Matteuccia struthiopteris Shuttlecock fern

5-10cm

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4^20From

30cm

Polypodium vulgare Common polypody

5-10cm

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4^20From

50cm

Polystichum polyblepharum Japanese lace fern

5-10cm

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4^20From

70cm

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhaus' Soft shield fern

5-10cm

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4^30From

80cm

Polystichum setiferum Soft shield fern

5-10cm

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4^40From

Buy hardy ferns

Welcome to the serene world of winter-hardy ferns, where the resilient Dryopteris erythrosora, with its copper-tinged fronds, and the statuesque Matteuccia struthiopteris, known as the shuttlecock fern, reign with grace. These ferns offer lush greenery even when the rest of the garden succumbs to winter's chill. Both are excellent choices for adding texture and a touch of evergreen elegance to shaded garden spots. Embrace the hardiness and beauty of these ferns to ensure year-round greenery in your outdoor sanctuary.

Embracing Winter-Hardy Ferns in Your Garden

Winter-hardy ferns are the unsung heroes of the cold season, providing lush foliage and visual interest when most plants have retreated beneath the frost. These ferns are not only hardy, but they also bring a variety of textures and shapes to the landscape, making them invaluable assets for any gardener looking to create a four-season garden.

A Variety of Ferns for Winter Interest

Among the winter-hardy ferns, the Dryopteris erythrosora, or copper shield fern, stands out with its reddish new fronds that mature into a robust green. This fern can serve as a colorful focal point during the colder months. Another hardy variety, the Matteuccia struthiopteris, is known for its distinctive shuttlecock shape that adds structure and height to the undergrowth.

Texture and Form with Hardy Ferns

Adding to the textural diversity are ferns like Cyrtomium falcatum, whose glossy, holly-like fronds bring a touch of brightness to the winter garden. Polypodium vulgare, with its leathery, green leaves, offers a groundcover solution that remains vibrant throughout the year. The Dryopteris filix-mas, commonly known as the male fern, adds a classic fern silhouette with its large, feathery fronds.

Evergreen Elegance and Hardy Adaptations

Polystichum polyblepharum and Polystichum setiferum are two ferns that truly embody the essence of evergreen elegance. Their fronds persist in winter, providing a constant display of greenery. Asplenium scolopendrium, with its unique, strap-like fronds, offers a different shape that complements the more traditional fern forms.

For a more refined look, Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhaus' boasts soft, feathery fronds that can elevate the aesthetic of any shade garden. Lastly, Blechnum spicant, or deer fern, presents a more rigid structure with its upright, ladder-like fronds that persist through frost and snow.

Cultivation and Care for Hardy Ferns

Caring for winter-hardy ferns involves selecting an appropriate site that mimics their natural woodland habitat. These ferns thrive in dappled shade, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and appreciate consistent moisture without waterlogging. They are generally low-maintenance and can be left undisturbed for years once established.

Mulching around the base of the ferns with leaf mold or compost can help to retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Winter-hardy ferns seldom require pruning, but any damaged or unsightly fronds can be removed in early spring to make way for new growth.

Incorporating winter-hardy ferns into your garden not only adds beauty during the bleakest months but also provides refuge for wildlife. These resilient plants can transform a dormant winter landscape into a thriving oasis of green, offering year-round enjoyment for both the gardener and the natural world.

What function can winter-hardy ferns have in a garden?

In a garden, winter-hardy ferns serve as excellent ground cover, offering an elegant and naturalistic underplanting. They can create a lush backdrop for flowering plants, add texture to shaded garden areas, and enhance the biodiversity of the space by providing habitat for wildlife such as birds and insects.

Which is the best period for transplanting winter-hardy ferns?

The best period for transplanting winter-hardy ferns is in the autumn, when the air is cool but the soil is still warm. This allows the ferns to establish roots without the stress of summer heat. Watering well after transplanting is essential to help the new plants settle in.

Which plants can be combined well with winter-hardy ferns?

Ferns are excellent in combination with other shade-tolerant plants, such as hostas and hellebores, which offer contrasting textures and forms. They also pair well with ornamental grasses and ground cover plants that appreciate similar growing conditions, creating a cohesive understorey in woodland or shaded garden areas.

In which soil type do most winter-hardy ferns grow well?

Most winter-hardy ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They thrive in dappled shade, mimicking their natural woodland habitat. Soil acidity can vary, but many ferns grow best in neutral to slightly acidic conditions, which encourage a lush, verdant growth of fronds.

What popular types of winter-hardy ferns are there?

Popular varieties of winter-hardy ferns include Dryopteris erythrosora, with its striking copper-colored new growth, and Polystichum setiferum (soft shield fern), known for its delicate, feathery fronds. Asplenium scolopendrium, with its glossy, tongue-shaped leaves, and Matteuccia struthiopteris, resembling the plume of an ostrich, are also favored selections.

In what period can I best plant winter-hardy ferns?

The optimal planting period for winter-hardy ferns is during the cooler months of early spring or autumn. This timing allows the ferns to establish their root systems while the soil is moist and temperatures are mild, which is crucial for their growth before the heat of summer or the freeze of winter.

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