Ferns

Ferns tolerate a wide spectrum of aspects but prefer a sheltered, full or part shady position. They generally thrive in a rich, moist but free draining soil. Several varieties are happy in dry shade, for example, Asplenium Scolopendrium, Dryopteris affinis and felix-mas, Polystichum and Polypodium verities. There are several evergreen varieties that will give interest during the winter months such as Blechnum spicant, Cyrtomium fortunei, Dryopteris erythrosora, Dryopteris wallichiana and Polystichum polyblepharum. If you have a wetter environment then the Matteuccia Struthiopteris and the Osmunda regalis are ideal.

The most exciting time for ferns is in the spring when the fronds start to emerge particularly the Tree Fern (Dicksonia Antarctica) which has a very architectural shape. We have larger specimens available for collection from the Garden Centre.