Ferns For The Shade Garden - Part II
is too dry. Dry conditions can bring on early dormancy. This has happened to me once during a drought when all my watering just wasn't enough. Ostrich Ferns can be grown in shade to semi-shade, tolerating more sun in swampy conditions.
Fronds arise from a tufted, woody rootstock that is visible above ground, and the fern spreads by underground rhizomes. Mine have moved about six feet (182 cm) from the spot where I originally planted them, the older ones seem to die out so I always have about four clumps. Maybe they are trying to tell me something? I wish it would increase more for me. I keep meaning to dig some up and move them to a damper spot -- one of those 'things to do' that don't get done.
Fertile spore is carried on separate fronds that appear in the center of the clump in summer instead of in sporangium on the back of each frond. The new croziers are edible and, I understand, quite a delicacy. You prepare them just like asparagus. If you have the right conditions for this fern, try it. It makes quite a statement in mid to back border.
I still have a few more ferns to share next time. See ya' later.
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