Asplenium nidus is one of about 700 evergreen and semi-evergreen ferns belonging to a genus whose species are found everywhere except Antarctica. Called bird's nest fern because its showy long fronds form an overlapping pattern in the shape of a nest, it is a slow growing, evergreen fern with glossy fronds that can grow up to five feet. In milder areas, where frosts are not prevalent, it is a fine plant for growing in woodland or among shrubs in a shady border. In cooler climates, it makes a handsome house or conservatory plant. Outdoors, it must be grown in an acid soil that is humus rich, moist but very well drained, so it's a good idea to add grit to the soil.
Propagation: Sow spores as soon as ripe at 21oC Divide in spring. |
As ferns are primitive plants, they do not have leaves but leaf-like structures called fronds, and it's their elegance that makes them so appealing. Polystichum munitum belongs to a genus of ferns whose fronds grow into attractive shuttlecock crowns, up to three feet long, which give dramatic impact all year round. These are narrow, dark green, pinnate lances finely divided into linear or spiny toothed pinnae resembling small holly leaves. It should be grown in fertile, humus rich, well drained soil in deep or partial shade. It is a good idea to remove any dead fronds as new ones appear, and to protect it from excessive winter wet.
Propagation: Sow spores in late summer. Divide in spring. |
Blechnum penna-marina, an elegant fern with feathery fronds, is an excellent choice for a shady border or woodland garden. It is fully hardy and, as it's evergreen, will help furnish the garden year round. Its fronds are pinnate or pinnatif id, and grow in tufts that arise from creeping rhizomes. Each tuft has two kinds of fronds; the first are about eight inches long in a glossy dark green while the second are shorter in a matt dark green. The fertile fronds are usually erect in the centre of the tufts, while the sterile ones are nearer the tufts' perimeters and have oblong or triangular pinnae. It fares best in moist, humus rich, acid soil in deep or partial shade.
Propagation: Sow spores in late summer. Divide in spring. |
