Environmental Benefits of Native Ferns

Christmas Fern

Christmas Fern: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Growing Christmas is a time of joy, warmth, and family gatherings. But did you know that one special plant can bring that festive spirit right into your garden? Enter the Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), a resilient evergreen that not only brightens up shaded spots but also contributes to local wildlife habitats. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet striking addition to your garden, this fern might just be your new best friend. With its glossy green fronds and easygoing nature, the Christmas fern is perfect for those tight, shaded areas where other plants often struggle. Let’s dive into how to care for and grow these charming ferns, ensuring they thrive year after year in your home or garden! The Christmas fern, scientifically known as Polystichum acrostichoides, is an evergreen perennial that thrives in shaded areas and features glossy green fronds. To care for this plant, ensure it is planted in cool, moist, well-drained soil and provide moderate water while avoiding direct sunlight to maintain its lush appearance throughout the year. About the Christmas Fern The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is not just any fern; it is a resilient evergreen perennial that has earned its place in the hearts of gardeners across Eastern North America. You’ll recognize it by its glossy green fronds, popular for seasonal decorations since the early days of American history. Its name reflects this tradition, as its fresh foliage enhances holiday wreaths and arrangements. However, its charm extends far beyond mere aesthetics; it serves important ecological functions as well. Typically growing between 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with the capacity to occasionally reach up to 3 feet, the Christmas Fern presents a suitable height for various garden designs. What's fascinating about this fern is its adaptability during different seasons. In winter, its fronds lie flat against the ground to conserve energy and protect against harsh conditions, only to spring back upright when temperatures rise in warmer months. This resilience not only highlights the Christmas Fern's functional beauty but also its tenacity as a plant species. The unique characteristics of this plant contribute significantly to its suitability for different environments. The ability of the Christmas Fern to thrive in shaded, cool areas makes it an excellent choice for creating lush ground cover in woodland settings or darker corners of your garden. It flourishes best in partial shade to full shade, where it can avoid stress caused by excessive sunlight. This propensity for shade makes it particularly desirable for those shaded spots that other plants struggle to fill. Additionally, its preference for moist, well-drained soil adds another layer of charm, ensuring that it remains lush and vibrant while helping prevent erosion thanks to its fibrous root system. Not only is this fern visually appealing, but it also attracts local wildlife. Beyond aesthetics, Christmas Ferns are beneficial for local ecosystems as they provide habitat and food sources for various wildlife species. Birds such as the Ruffed Grouse benefit from the shelter and nests formed by these ferns. Moreover, their ability to thrive without direct sunlight aids in promoting biodiversity within gardens. By integrating Polystichum acrostichoides into your landscape design, you're not just cultivating beauty; you’re also nurturing a thriving ecosystem right in your backyard. Understanding how to propagate and care for your Christmas Fern can ensure it continues to flourish season after season. For those looking to expand their collection or share these beautiful ferns with friends, propagation is quite straightforward. By dividing root clumps or collecting spores from mature fertile fronds during mid-summer, you can create new plants that will thrive alongside their parent specimens. With minimal maintenance required—thanks to their evergreen nature—regular upkeep primarily entails occasional cleaning or removing older fronds to keep things tidy and promote healthy growth. As we continue exploring cultivation practices, discover how specific growing conditions enhance the longevity and health of this remarkable fern. Growing Conditions and Care Tips Christmas ferns, also known as Polystichum acrostichoides, are relatively hardy and can adapt to various conditions, but they shine when nurtured in their preferred environment. These splendid ferns thrive in cool, moist soils rich in organic matter and well-drained—think sandy or loamy textures that allow excess water to flow away. Ideally, the soil should have an acidic pH below 6.8; this helps promote healthy growth. If your soil is lacking, mix in some compost; it enriches nutrients and enhances soil structure, providing a cozy home for your fern. As we move beyond soil conditions, let’s discuss their light requirements since it significantly influences how well they flourish. Light is another crucial factor for healthy Christmas ferns. These beauties prefer partial to full shade, mimicking their natural habitats under the canopy of trees in forests. Too much sunlight can lead to stress, resulting in pale foliage and stunted growth. When you plant Christmas ferns, aim to replicate their forest environment by placing them where they receive gentle morning sun or filtered light throughout the day. Your efforts will reward you with vibrant green fronds that stay lush year-round. With light firmly established, let's take a closer look at how to manage watering. When it comes to hydration, moderate watering is key. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. This fern doesn’t appreciate heavy clay soils or standing water, which can lead to root rot. Instead, choose well-drained areas and remember that these ferns may require more water during dry spells but generally perform well if given about an inch of water per week. Checking the soil moisture regularly ensures that your Christmas fern has just what it needs to thrive. Now that we've covered watering practices, let's shift gears slightly and touch upon fertilization strategies. Interestingly, Christmas ferns don’t require frequent fertilization—a blessing for any gardener! However, if you desire a nutrient boost for your plants as spring arrives, consider applying a light top-dressing of compost around the base of each fern. This provides essential nutrients without overwhelming the plant and encourages healthy growth through the season. Equipped with these fundamental care tips, you're now ready to enjoy the beauty and resilience of Christmas ferns in your garden space or indoors. Let’s explore further how these enchanting ferns can bring harmony and charm to your outdoor setup. Landscaping with Christmas Ferns Christmas ferns (Polystichum acrostichoides) truly shine when integrated into landscaping designs. Their glossy fronds not only add a burst of perennial green but also provide lush texture to garden spaces. This adaptability makes them popular among homeowners and landscape professionals alike. Surrounded by other plants or nestled among larger evergreens, they create beautiful combinations that can transform any dull spot into a picturesque retreat. For instance, imagine stepping into a shaded garden area where traditional grass fails to thrive—a common problem in many yards. Here, the Christmas fern excels, filling those barren spaces with its dense clusters of vibrant green fronds, establishing itself as an attractive ground cover. Beyond their beauty, these hardy plants actually help in preventing soil erosion, thanks to their robust root systems that grip the soil tightly on sloped terrains or along pathways. Jane Doe, a seasoned landscaper in North Carolina, shared her experience: “Christmas Ferns have transformed the shaded areas of my client’s gardens. Their year-round green adds continuous beauty and coverage.” Moreover, adding these ferns to your garden isn't just about aesthetics; they're versatile enough for numerous applications within your landscape. Practical Applications and Design Tips When considering where to plant Christmas ferns, think about areas that receive partial to full shade—these spots will allow the ferns to thrive without stress. You might consider using them to create borders along pathways, where they can soften hardscape edges while also providing a natural look. Their modest height of 1 to 2 feet means they won’t overwhelm smaller plants around them but will complement both low-growing flowers and taller shrubs beautifully. Spacing is another important factor; for optimal growth, aim to plant your Christmas ferns about 18 to 24 inches apart. This distance will allow them ample room to spread yet retain their clumping character without overcrowding one another. In time, they will form dense colonies that effectively discourage weeds from invading those sought-after shaded pockets. Additionally, these ferns can be beneficial in damp areas of your garden. Their preference for cool, moist soil aligns perfectly with spots prone to retaining moisture after rainfalls. Your landscape design not only becomes more visually appealing but also works in harmony with nature’s elements. Finally, let’s not forget the holiday season and how Christmas ferns can bring joy beyond the summer months. Beyond their landscaping appeal, Christmas ferns can serve as delightful décor during the festive season. Their fronds make excellent additions to wreaths or arrangements alongside traditional holiday greens like pine or holly bushes. Being evergreen and resilient, they maintain their lush appearance long after they’re cut—which means you’ll enjoy their beauty throughout the holiday celebrations. With minimal maintenance required due to their evergreen status, integrating Christmas ferns into your landscape ensures a lovely backdrop throughout every season while celebrating seasonal influences artistically during the winter months as well. These adaptable plants are sure to deliver stunning results all year round. As we explore further, there are even more ways these versatile plants can enhance our surroundings during special occasions and celebrations. Festive Uses of Christmas Ferns Christmas ferns (Polystichum acrostichoides) have long been celebrated for the beauty they bring to winter landscapes and holiday arrangements. Their rich, lush greenery offers a perfect contrast to the often stark and bare backdrop of winter, making them an ideal choice for holiday decorations. The fronds can be easily cut and incorporated into an array of decorations, including wreaths that adorn doors, garlands wrapped around banisters, and elegant table centerpieces that draw guests into a warm, inviting setting. What I love most about using Christmas ferns is their durability. Unlike many cut flowers that wither away after just a few days, these ferns can remain vibrant for up to two to three weeks when properly cared for. This makes them not only a lovely choice for immediate decoration but also a smart investment for your decorative needs throughout the entire holiday season. To help maintain their freshness, simply mist them with water occasionally and keep them out of direct sunlight. Ideas for Incorporation Imagine gathering with family and friends around the dinner table adorned with a centerpiece featuring cut Christmas fern fronds, pinecones, and perhaps a few sprigs of holly or bright red berries. Combining textures creates visual interest while drawing on the traditional colors of the season—the deep greens and the vivid reds evoke warmth and cheer. You might consider intertwining fairy lights amongst the fern fronds placed on your mantle or table; this adds a magical glow that enhances any setting without overwhelming it. This simple addition transforms your space into an enchanting winter wonderland. However, it's important to note that while Christmas ferns beautify our homes, they also play an integral role in benefiting wildlife during the cold months. Many gardeners enjoy incorporating Christmas ferns into wreaths or garlands as they provide a lush backdrop to other seasonal embellishments. The fronds interspersed with other greens create layers of depth—think how they complement vibrant reds or sparkling golds during holiday parties! Furthermore, their hearty nature means they hold up quite well when made part of outdoor displays, whether you’re crafting something special for your porch or decking out larger outdoor spaces. While enhancing our festive decorations, it's equally essential to recognize how these resilient ferns support local ecosystems during colder seasons. Benefits for Wildlife One of the most compelling reasons to include Christmas Ferns in your garden is their role as a sanctuary for wildlife. These lush, evergreen ferns enhance the natural beauty of your landscape while offering habitat and shelter for various small animals and insects. For instance, ground-nesting birds like sparrows and thrushes find comfort under the dense foliage, protecting their nests from predators. Additionally, rabbits and other small mammals often take refuge beneath these ferns, enjoying the cool shade on hot summer days while staying safe from larger predators. Food Source Beyond providing shelter, Christmas Ferns serve as a food source for many species. The Ruffed Grouse, a native bird in North America, particularly benefits from this fern during winter months when other food sources are limited. They rely on the fertile fronds of the Christmas Fern not only to nourish themselves but also to sustain their energy throughout harsh conditions. This symbiotic relationship illustrates how the presence of these ferns can bolster local ecosystems, drawing in diverse wildlife that thrives in shaded and moisture-rich habitats. Understanding how Christmas Ferns benefit wildlife adds another layer of appreciation for this robust plant; however, the cultivation environment plays another crucial role. When you cultivate Christmas Ferns with care, you're not just nurturing a plant—you're creating an entire ecosystem. Their dense foliage helps retain soil moisture and offers refuge to beneficial organisms such as pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other essential insects find a haven amongst the fronds. Furthermore, by planting Christmas Ferns in suitable conditions—considering factors like partial shade and well-drained soil—you contribute to maintaining a balanced habitat that supports both flora and fauna alike. Introducing Polystichum acrostichoides into your garden or landscape does more than add greenery; it establishes a thriving community that flourishes together through each season. The glossy green fronds through winter’s chill or their vibrant presence in springtime gardens remind us of the intricate connections between these ferns and countless small creatures sharing our world. With this understanding of the ecological benefits that these ferns bring, it's time to explore how different environments influence their growth and development. Indoor vs Outdoor Cultivation When it comes to nurturing your Christmas ferns, the environment you choose can greatly influence their well-being. Indoors, these ferns thrive best in areas that receive indirect light. A spot by a window with filtered sunlight or within a few feet of a bright room works well. It's important to watch the soil moisture closely; while these ferns enjoy consistent levels of moisture, they are sensitive to overwatering. The key is to water them enough to prevent drying out but not so much that the roots become waterlogged. Using a potting mix designed for good drainage can make all the difference. Mixing regular potting soil with materials like perlite or sand helps achieve this ideal blend, allowing your fern's roots to breathe while remaining hydrated. Moreover, indoor Christmas ferns benefit significantly from regular misting. Indoor environments often have lower humidity, particularly in winter due to heating systems. Misting creates the moist conditions these plants crave. Just be sure to keep them away from heat sources like radiators or vents, as they can dry out your fern quickly. Shifting gears to outdoor cultivation, you'll find that Christmas ferns are surprisingly hardy and adaptable. In outdoor settings, especially in regions resembling their native habitats—wooded areas with well-drained soil—Christmas ferns flourish with minimal attention. It's best to plant them in shaded locations where they can enjoy partial to full shade. These lush green beauties appreciate moisture but also thrive in rich, loamy soils that drain well. Even during heavy rainfalls, their sturdy nature means they can withstand fluctuating conditions without significant damage. Winter will come and go, yet your Christmas fern will remain resilient! They are tough enough to handle cold winters and hot summers, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want beauty year-round without the added work of intensive care. Additionally, mulching around the plants in summer helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, contributing to their overall health. Following these cultivation guidelines ensures robust growth and vitality whether you choose to grow your Christmas fern indoors or outdoors. In consideration of all the care tips and environmental needs outlined above, remember that cultivating a Christmas fern is within reach for any gardener. For more information on how to successfully grow and care for this versatile plant, visit TN Online Plant Nursery or give us a call at 931-692-7325 today!

Hay Scented Fern

The Hay-Scented Fern is a deciduous fern known for its delicate, finely divided fronds and a distinctive fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay when crushed, commonly found in woodland areas. It is a versatile and attractive plant with numerous landscaping benefits. This deciduous plant is native to North America and can be valuable to garden designs, incorporating texture, ground cover, and visual interest. Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) Characteristics and Usage  The Hay Scented Fern offers gardeners and landscapers a convenient way to provide green ground coverage to any outdoor area. The fronds have a striking appearance due to their intricate leaflets. They also give off a unique scent, which is how they get their name. If you want to plant these intriguing plants in your yard or garden, read on as we tell you what you need to know about them.  Aesthetics Of This native Fern  The short answer is yes. The fronds of the Hay Scented Fern have individually cut leaflets that grow opposite each other. The subleaflets mimic the frond's appearance, resulting in a very intricate design and a microcosm of the plant as a whole. The color of the fronds is a verdant green in the spring and summer, giving way to a golden yellow in the fall - evocative of the colors that we commonly associate with that time of year. So, the Hay-Scented Fern will naturally keep up with the motifs of the changing seasons. The fronds of the Hay-Scented Fern are unique because they grow straight up from the underground rhizome (the stem). The fronds spread over spring and summer to cover the soil below. Hay-scented fern fronds can grow about a foot wide and up to four feet tall They have a blade-like shape that tapers to a fine point. Even at the very tip of the fronds, you can still see tiny leaflets mimicking the overall shape of the leaves. This makes them very intricate plants that evoke awe and wonder at nature's designs, whether you are looking at them up close or from afar. The fern adds a lush, forest-like aesthetic to outdoor areas. It is found in wooded areas in North America and has been added to many landscapes to affect the calm, serene aesthetic of dewy forest with dense undergrowth. Of course, the Hay Scented Fern offers gardeners an easy way to add a touch of green to brown or drab landscape areas. They work exceptionally well as edgers around hardscapes and can be used to replace grass where it may be challenging to grow. Love To Smell Fresh Cut Hay? Hay Scented Ferns Has This Summer Aroma  The beauty of the Hay-Scented Fern does not end with its visual qualities. It entices the sense of smell as well. When the fronds are rubbed, pressed, or otherwise disturbed, they give off a distinct scent of freshly cut hay. The aroma is evocative of the smells we associate with the summer months and adds an immersive element to your yard or garden.  What Does Hay-Scented Fern Offer?  It's clear that the Hay Scented Fern is a beautiful plant, but are there any practical benefits to growing it? Indeed, and here are just a few advantages: They Provide A Habitat for Wildlife - The Hay-Scented Fern provides good cover for small, ground-dwelling animals. So, if you want to make your property a sanctuary for various wildlife, this fern will provide immediate appeal. The spores on the underside of the fronds are also food for certain insects that help enrich the soil.  They Prevent Soil Erosion- This is a deciduous type of fern, which means it sheds its fronds every year only to grow new ones in the spring. This helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion from overdrying. The roots of the fern can also help bind the soil. They Are A Native Fern-As a fern native to North America, the hay-scented fern is easy to grow and maintain and helps purify the soil.  Other ferns like this also help remove toxins from the soil and even purify the air. They Keep Away Deer - If you are having trouble with deer damaging your plants, the Hay-Scented Fern can deter them. Lining the edge of your lawn or garden with Hay-Scented Fern can help keep deer away as they are not attracted to this type of plant. Hay-Scented Fern Frequently Asked Questions  Now let's cover some important topics about this fern and how to take care of them:  What is the Hay-Scented Fern Used for?  In suburban gardens, the Hay-Scented Fern is often used as groundcover and to provide some greenery to a landscape. In more rural areas, Hay-Scented Ferns can repel deer and other small, problematic critters.  How Big Do Hay-Scented Ferns Grow? The fronds of the Hay Scented Fern can stretch to about a foot wide. The plant can reach a height between one and four feet at maturity. Their size makes them an excellent choice for small garden areas. And if you have a large area you need to cover, they can spread quickly if you have ample shade. Do Hay-Scented Ferns Like Sun or Shade? The light requirements for Hay Scented Ferns are shaded to partially shaded areas. They also like acidic, moist soil that drains well.  How Do You Plant Hay-Scented Ferns? It's best to plant these ferns in the spring. The hole should be the depth of the rootball itself and twice as wide. The crown should be about ½" below the surface of the soil. Add compost to enrich the soil and help the Hay-Scented Fern grow properly. When Should I Prune Hay-Scented Ferns? Pruning is necessary for these ferns unless fronds or leaflets are yellowing or dying before the season. To prune, cut back the fronds down to the soil line. Any pruning should be done in the early spring after all growth has ceased. Easy and Fun Planting The prime fern specimens we sell here at TN Nursery will have you growing beautiful green plants in no time. Plus, we offer grower direct pricing so you can beautify your garden affordably. Enjoy the beauty and practical benefits of ferns by placing an order today Hay-Scented Fern Smells Like Fresh Hay That's Just Been Harvested Hay Scented Fern Dennstaedtia punctiloba, a deciduous fern, has the aroma of freshly cut hay when crushed. Up to two feet (60 cm) tall, they may extend to three or four feet (0.9-1.2 m) broad. The rhizomes of this fern, which are underground stems, are responsible for the fern's singular growth. The fronds of the hay-scented fern become a delicate yellow in the autumn. This ground cover's long lifespan is a great asset, and it's a hardy native favorite that cleans toxins from the air and the soil.  These ferns form dense clumps and are known to keep deer away. Hay-scented ferns may be found from Newfoundland to Alabama, although the eastern states of North America have the greatest concentration. U.S.D.A. climatic zones 3-8 are home to hay-scented ferns.  Forest floors are carpeted with a lush green carpet of moss and ferns. Meadows, farms, and cliffs are other typical habitats for these plants.  How to Grow a Hay-scented Fern in Your Garden Hay-scented ferns are very simple to grow since they are resilient and quickly establish themselves in the garden. A well-drained region is ideal for these ferns. Add some compost to your soil if it's lacking in nutrients. To keep the ferns from interfering with one other, you should plant them approximately 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart.  Slightly acidic soil is ideal for these ferns, which thrive in partial shade. They will not seem as lush and vibrant when grown in a whole light. Ferns in a Haystack The hay-scented fern are challenging to control once it has taken root and spread. Pulling off part of the spring growth will curb the spread of these stubborn plants if your garden needs it. Caring for a hay-scented fern does take little energy. Fish emulsion fertilizer may be used to restore the color of your ferns if they begin to fade. It has been reported that these ferns may last for a decade. Uses of Hay-Scented Ferns Wildlife Significance of Hay-Scented Ferns The Hay-Scented Fern's environmental significance to animals is pretty poor. Like other ferns, it does not constitute a significant food source; however, a few insects allegedly feed on the spore-bearing fronds. You may use them as a border-edging ground cover and naturalize your landscape with them This hardy fern favorite is native to open woodlands. Its natural elegance can enhance any space, whether it's growing in a pot, adding charm to gardens, or providing flawless ground cover. Decorative Attributes of Hay Scented Fern Also known as dennstaedtia punctilobula, this classy and stylish greenery is both functional and decorative in a laid-back way. The plant has narrow fronds that create bright green leaves throughout the spring and summer. In fall, the fronds turn golden yellow to display a stunning seasonal color. These plants provide superior ground cover, and because of their decorative qualities, the fragrant ferns can add texture and splashes of bright greenery to shade gardens. The greenery also makes a unique and striking border for garden beds. Scented types exude an aroma of freshly cut hay in the late summer, which is how this plant got its name. The wonderful aroma smells like summer itself, with the fragrance of freshly mowed lawns hanging sweetly in the warm air. When the stems are disturbed or broken, they release a fresh, summery fragrance. Perhaps because of this scent, the plant repels rabbits and deer, which many gardeners appreciate. Because these deciduous plants lose their leaves in late fall and early winter, they produce fresh growth throughout the spring and summer because they are shade perennials. Hay Scented Fern Reaches 2 feet in height at maturity Unlike many other species, Hay Scented Fern has individual fronds that grow almost straight up from an underground stem called a rhizome. Plants can be up to two feet tall and four feet wide. The feathery, finely textured fronds are appreciated for their lush and abundant appearance. After emerging from the creeping underground stems, the fronds spread slowly, forming clusters of bright green carpeting over the ground. Abundant little leaflets give the fronds their lush, feathery appeal. Hay Scented Fern Has Unique Foliage  The small leaflets have finely serrated margins and pointy, lance-shaped tips positioned alternately along the length of the stem. The fronds provide a stunning explosion of vibrant green foliage, making a spectacular backdrop for any surrounding landscape. But why is the hay-scented fern special? Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula): a fern with fluffy, feathery fronds and an excellent hay-like fragrance. The plant has glossy green leaves and so gives a fun look to gardens, especially shaded areas where other plants do not thrive.  Is the hay-scented fern easily tended?  Absolutely! This fern doesn't need much care and can adapt to many soils. Once established, it spreads easily, which is why it is an ideal ground cover.  Can the hay-smelling fern live in the sun?  Yes, it is hardy in the sun and half the shade. Where there is lots of sunlight, it forms dense, full soils; where there isn't much sun, it forms a carpet of broad grasses.  Is the hay-smelling fern a wildlife attraction?  The fern provides a healthy habitat for insects and amphibians of a small size. It has thick roots, too, which you can use to keep other unwanted plants at bay.  Is the hay-smelling fern suitable for open areas?  Definitely! It grows very quickly, and so it is ideal for big patches or steep slopes where it will hold back erosion. Its easy-to-grow habit means it makes appearances abundant and uniform without much work.

Sensitive Fern

The Sensitive Fern is a hardy, deciduous plant with finely dissected fronds that curl up when touched or exposed to frost. This makes it a unique and exciting addition to damp woodland gardens. This fern is a beloved plant that gets its name due to its sensitive nature, preferring specific environments that are mostly warm and humid. But despite its name, it's one that you should pay attention to if you live in a region that it can grow in. Let's examine why this perennial plant is a must-have for your landscape.  Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Is Stunning in Greater Numbers This plant looks good, but it produces a lush, green, thick spectacle that quickly adds more to any space when you plant multiple perennials together. The lobed leaves blend and reach up and out at a maximum height of about two feet. If you want to add some volume and life to spaces that need it most, consider adding several plants to your landscape. They may even spread naturally with time. Sensitive Fern Acts As a Home for Wildlife These plants grow in areas where wildlife flourishes, meaning they play an essential role in the ecosystem. Speaking of its more practical uses, small animals like frogs and salamanders will use the leaves of this plant to take cover and escape from the heat. If you're looking for plants that are friends with and attractors of wildlife, this one will be an excellent fit for your space. Sensitive Ferns Are Deer And Rabbit Resistant  Sensitive Fern also serves as a source for animals and insects, so you won't have to worry about the wildlife population in your area decimating your plants before you can enjoy them. It is both deer—and rabbit-resistant, with larger animals only taking a few leaves or avoiding them entirely. This ensures that your plants still contribute positively to the environment but aren't at risk of being wiped out by animals. Sensitive Fern Is A Stunning Border Plant Groundcover like Sensitive Fern is the perfect solution where more common plants cannot grow. Adding height and color to more moist and humid areas of your property, these perennials take root and help your property look less bare, supporting the areas in your yard that need it most. Do sensitive ferns prefer sunlight or shade Sensitive ferns prefer partial to full shade. Although they are rather adaptable to some morning rays, too much sun can burn the thin blades of the ferns.  How do you care for a sensitive fern?  Water the plant frequently, but do not overwater. Add organic matter to the soil and keep the humidity high to promote growth.  How big do sensitive ferns get Sensitive ferns can reach a height of 1-3ft and can occupy a width of 2-4ft. Its narrow, light green leaves give it the appearance of ground cover in shaded gardens.  Should I water my sensitive fern every day?  Sensitive ferns do not require daily watering and are only to be watered if the soil in which they grow dries up fast due to heat. Do not let the soil dry out, particularly if you are in a region where there is little rainfall.  What are the interesting facts about sensitive ferns Sensitive ferns derive their name from the fact that the fronds of these ferns are damaged by frost and turn yellow as soon as the temperatures go low.