Ferns Create A Mass Of Color - An Accent Around Rocks
Ferns are a wonderful plant family for many
different style gardens, and also can be spotted in
natural woods and rocky terrain. There are many
different species and most will do well in zones
three through nine in the United States.
This plant
family is native to East Asia and especially in China.
They are considered an evergreen and when mass
planted, provide a rich and full area in a garden.
Most of the varieties are easy to grow and will
adapt to different soil conditions.
Many people love putting this specie in planters
and containers. In the
examples of landscape design section, there is a southern design with hanging ferns on a porch.
The porch is a very popular place in the south
to show off this specimen. You can also plant
them in containers on a deck or patio for a great
evergreen accent. I love designing ferns in rock
gardens or a natural setting. My greenhouse has
been home to this plant family for many friends
throughout the colder winter months. The plants
can also be put in a garage or sheltered area
throughout the winter if your temperatures dip
below freezing. Water them periodically and they
will do fine. Outside, these species thrive in an
area that contains shade. In the
garden projects section,
there is some information on other specimens
that do well in a shade garden. Any of these
specimens will compliment the ferns. Below are
four different family members. Each these plants
will do well in a variety of climates.
The
Korean variety grows well in
zones five through nine. The Korean will
mature anywhere from twelve to twenty
inches high and twelve to sixteen inches
wide. This is one of the easiest plant
to grow, and is used for its rich foliage.
The Korean is one of my favorites to
incorporate in a rock garden or along
a rock wall. This specie can take some
sun and is popular in the Pacific
Northwest. The Korean loves rich and
well drained soil.
The
Christmas specie is a favorite
of zones three through nine. This is a great
plant to grow for the beginner gardener. You
can see this variety from the Rocky Mountains
to Canada, as well along the Atlantic down
to the Gulf Coast States. This is a wonderful
specimen to plant around a series of rocks. It
loves full shade but will tolerate a little sun.
This variety does well in open wooded areas
or right in the heart of the forests. The Christmas
will grow from one to two feet tall and one
to two feet wide. It will also be a nice accent if
planted in a mass setting.
The
Blue Pacific Juniper specimen is an
excellent specimen to compliment the
fern. The soft green leaves provide a
striking look in a natural setting. Great look around
Hostas. This is a good specimen to plant on a bank
or slope. Feel free to look at other members of the
Juniper family.
Another great choice are some variegated shrubs, such as a
Mop Cypress or Euonymus.
The
Autumn is a fern that has
different colors throughout the year. When
the Autumn has new growth the leaves appear with
some pink tones. As the plant matures the
fronds or leaves will turn a deep green. This plant
will mature up to thirty inches tall and around
sixteen to thirty inches wide. The unique aspect
of this variety is when the first frost arrives. The
leaves turn a bronze color that will accent
other fall trees and shrubs. This plant is great
to plant with other evergreens and will work
well in rock gardens and around other outdoor
features.
The four varieties above are just a small
fraction of this plant family. One highlight
if you visit or live near wooded or mountainous
area, is to see native specimens throughout a hiking
trail. There are native ferns that line the trails
of Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. Mount Mitchell
is the highest peak east of the Mississippi in the
United States. Learn a little more about Mount Mitchell
and other gorgeous mountain and natural scenes in the
scenes in nature through photography section.
Many people today have this plant family
indoors as a house plant. The Boston,
Birds Nest, Iris, False Hare's-Foot, Holly,
and Lace are just a few assortments for
your indoor containers. I hope this
article has given you some ideas for planting
ferns in a shaded garden as well as
rock gardens, wooded areas, and natural
settings.
