Sensitive Fern Plant Description
This fern is a perennial, meaning it will return every year. They are sensitive to cold weather, so protect them with mulch or some other type of protection during winter. They grow well in moist soil and shade for partial sun. This article will discuss the fern plant, from its features, growth, care, and use.The Sensitive Fern Plant – General Information
The sensitive fern plant is a perennial that produces stunning yearly foliage displays. They are grown for their beautiful leaves, and they will not disappoint. They are an excellent choice to add color and texture to your landscaping in your yard's shade or partial shade areas.
Features
The plant has dark green shiny upper surface parts with lighter beneath them. The blades are broad, with lobes that are also green. The leaves themselves are leathery and thick.
The plant has this appearance all year round, although, in the winter, it is a little bit more muted due to its dormant leaves. As spring approaches, the foliage will grow in full again, and you will get those beautiful displays of color you wanted when you first brought them home.
These plants do well in partial sun areas; they generally need half a day of sunlight or more. It is best to receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. They will grow well in moist soil but not thrive in the shade.
They are drought-tolerant and do not like too much water. If you give them a drink in the summer, you must ensure they only get a little in winter.
Growth
Depending on how often you plant, the plant needs to be pruned once every year or two.
If you divide them, you will have three or more plants, which means they can spread out and take up more space. If you are genuinely concerned about this, I recommend planting them in a restricted area of your yard.
Once established in the ground, they may grow very tall. If this happens, be sure to prune them regularly to keep getting bigger and bigger each year.
They will thrive well over there, whichever you use them.
Care
It is best to plant the fern plants in the spring rather than fall. Because they are only hardy to U.S.D.A. zones 4-10, you should plant them where they will survive without being moved after a few years. If you live in a more extreme climate, you should bring them indoors during the winter.
The sensitive fern plant is easy to grow and does not require much work. However, they need to be kept moist and watered regularly. You can use a watering can every week or two. The soil should also be kept moist to thrive in good soil conditions.
Uses
When planted near other plants, the fern looks nice. Adding it to your rock or cement planters would also look good. If you have a shady area where it can grow, you can use it as a border plant.
They are great pond plants because they are drought-tolerant and will benefit from the cool water. They prefer warm water, and it will be best to use warm water on them to keep them healthy and in good condition.
Sensitive Fern Plant – Varieties
The fern plant is available in wide varieties, so there is always the right one for you, depending on your needs. There are even some scarce plants that you can find if you look hard enough.Here are a few popular varieties:
• Common The fern (Onoclea sensibilis) – This is the most common variety in nurseries and garden centers. It is trendy because of its beautiful dark green foliage and its ease of growing.
The fern (Onoclea sensibilis 'Shenandoah') is another common variety that is more expensive than the common sensitive fern. It has pretty silver-gray leaves with vein streaks.
• The fern 'Gibraltar' – This is an uncommon variety known for its silver-blue color on the underside of its leaves. It has a habit of producing multiple shoots from the roots every spring.
In conclusion, the fern is easy to grow and care for. They will produce a stunning display of foliage yearly, which is why they are so popular. It is essential to keep them well-watered during summer and ensure they receive plenty of sunlight. They do not like cold weather, so if you live in a region where it gets freezing during wintertime, you may want to bring them indoors or use some covering for them in the colder months.