Quick notes
- This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right location to caring for your new fern, helping you create a breathtaking autumnal spectacle in your garden.
- Place the fern in the planting hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Plant autumn fern in containers to add a touch of elegance to your patio or porch.
Autumn fern, with its stunning foliage that transforms from vibrant green to fiery hues of bronze, copper, and gold as the seasons change, is a captivating addition to any garden. It’s easy to see why this fern is a favorite among gardeners, adding a touch of drama and sophistication to landscapes. But knowing how to plant autumn fern is crucial to ensuring its healthy growth and vibrant display. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right location to caring for your new fern, helping you create a breathtaking autumnal spectacle in your garden.
Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Autumn Fern
The first step in successfully planting autumn fern is selecting the ideal location. This fern thrives in shady, moist environments, making it perfect for those areas of your garden that might be difficult to fill with other plants.
- Sunlight: Autumn ferns prefer partial shade to full shade. They can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid planting them in areas that receive direct afternoon sun, as this can scorch their foliage.
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal for autumn fern. Adding compost or peat moss to the soil before planting helps improve drainage and acidity.
- Moisture: This fern loves moisture and will appreciate a consistently moist soil environment, especially during dry periods.
Preparing the Planting Site
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, it’s time to prepare the planting site. This ensures your autumn fern has the best possible start.
- Clear the Area: Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area.
- Loosen the Soil: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the fern’s root ball. This allows the roots to spread out and establish themselves.
- Amend the Soil: Mix in some compost or peat moss to improve soil drainage and acidity.
Planting Your Autumn Fern
Now, it’s time to plant your new autumn fern. Follow these steps for a successful planting process:
- Gently Remove the Fern: Remove the fern from its container, taking care not to disturb the root ball.
- Position the Fern: Place the fern in the planting hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill the Hole: Gradually backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down around the roots. Don’t pack the soil too tightly.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the newly planted fern deeply to settle the soil and encourage root growth.
Caring for Your Autumn Fern
With your autumn fern planted, it’s time to give it the care it needs to thrive.
- Watering: Water your autumn fern regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your autumn fern in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the fern.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the fern to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Propagating Your Autumn Fern
Once your autumn fern is established, you can propagate it to create more plants. This can be done through division or spores.
- Division: Divide your autumn fern in the spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the clumps, ensuring each division has healthy roots and foliage. Plant the divisions in new locations.
- Spores: Autumn ferns produce spores on the underside of their fronds. These spores can be collected and sown in a seed tray filled with a sterile seed-starting mix. Keep the spores moist and in a warm, shady location. It may take several months for the spores to germinate.
Enjoying the Beauty of Your Autumn Fern
With proper care, your autumn fern will reward you with stunning foliage that transforms throughout the year. Here are some tips to enjoy its beauty:
- Planting Combinations: Pair your autumn fern with other shade-loving plants like hostas, astilbe, and ferns with different textures and colors.
- Borders and Edgings: Use autumn fern to create borders or edgings in your garden.
- Containers: Plant autumn fern in containers to add a touch of elegance to your patio or porch.
Autumn’s Last Stand: A Farewell to the Season
As the seasons change and autumn gives way to winter, your autumn fern will gracefully transition from vibrant green to warm hues of bronze, copper, and gold. This breathtaking transformation is a testament to its resilience and beauty. While the fronds will eventually decline, they can be left to provide winter interest and shelter for beneficial insects.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: How often should I water my autumn fern?
A: Water your autumn fern regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During dry periods, you may need to water more frequently.
Q: Can I grow autumn fern in a pot?
A: Yes, autumn fern can be grown in pots. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Q: Why is my autumn fern turning brown?
A: There are several reasons why your autumn fern might be turning brown. It could be due to lack of water, too much sun, or disease. Inspect the plant for any signs of pests or disease and adjust your care routine accordingly.
Q: What are the best companion plants for autumn fern?
A: Autumn ferns pair well with other shade-loving plants like hostas, astilbe, and ferns with different textures and colors.
Q: Is autumn fern deer resistant?
A: While autumn ferns are generally deer resistant, they are not immune. Deer may nibble on them if other food sources are scarce.
