Best Gardens

This dwarf, deciduous cultivar derives its name from its delicate, lacy appearance.

The Cinnamon Fern, Osmunda cinnamonea, occurs in moist, boggy ground along streams and on shaded ledges and grows in clumps to 2'-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5' in height. When new fronds appear, they have a cinnamon color. The yellowish-green sterile fronds remain attractive throughout the summer and turn yellow in autumn. The common name of Cinnamon ferns is in reference to the cinnamon colored fibers found near the fronds base. Osumunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the roots of these ferns. Plant them in a loamy woodland soil in some shade to mimic the natural environment. This fern is used in container plantings, rock gardens, borders, specimen plants and as ground cover. Cinnamon ferns do not have flowers or blooms. This plant tolerates flooding and will grow in wet submerged soils.

Ebony Spleenwort Fern, Asplenium platyneuron, is an evergreen fern which typically grows to 15" tall and occurs on rocky wooded ledges, rocky slopes and mossy banks. The fronds are arching, pinnate, somewhat glossy and are dark green and sterile. The central stipe (stem) is dark purplish brown. Ebony Spleewort Ferns are also know as Spleenwort Ferns. The common name of spleenwort refers to purported medicinal value once attributed to the plant. Plant in dry, rocky, shady areas of rock gardens (will grow in rocky crevices), native plant gardens or woodland areas. The ideal planting area would be in a shaded area rich in leaf mulch. This fern is very attractive when planted with wildflowers such as Tillium, Mertensia and columbines.

Lady in Red Fern, Athyrium 'Lady in Red', is strong-growing and dependable. Tough and easy to grow, this sultry beauty is the right choice for perennial borders and woodlands alike. A breathtaking flush of new fronds appears in the spring, with new leaves appearing throughout the season for a continuously fresh look. The lacy, light green foliage is held upright on dark, brilliant red-violet stipes (fern stems). Each plant of this slowly spreading fern should spread to 3' in 5 years. 'Lady in Red' is a deciduous, easy-to-grow fern that makes a great blending plant for hosta and other bold-leaf plants in the woodland garden. It tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions and provides seasonal cover for birds and other wildlife. It makes a good ground cover in shaded areas. The colorful fronds can be used in fresh arrangements.

The Walking Fern, Camptosorus rhizophyllus, is an interesting little plant. The common name comes from the fact that the leaves sprout new plants at their apices. After a few generations, the plant appears as if it is 'walking' across the ground because the frond tips curve over and root wherever they touch the ground. Walking Ferns have very attractive foliage and the simple leaves are often long-tapering to the tips. They can tolerate occasional wetness and wet soil. It is used in woodland gardens and as groundcover. This perennial fern does not have flowers or blooms.

The Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides, occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. It typically grows in a fountain-like clump to 2' tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. Christmas ferns are asymmetrical with a fine texture and has a moderately dense crown. The evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. This fern does not spread but the clumps increase in size over time. These plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae.

Coffee-colored stamens that look exactly like cinnamon sticks!

Luxuriant, graceful fronds reach a length of 24-36" long and are 18" wide.

Versatile and hardy, tropical looking fern. Summer fronds up to 30" long and 12-24" wide are great for shady areas.

This big fern forms a large mound 2-5' tall.

Lush green fronds and an ability to grow in deep shade make this fern a favorite among gardeners.

Bring cool and airy elegance to any shady location all summer long.