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Hay Scented Fern

Hay Scented Fern

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Regular price From $9.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $9.99 USD
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Hay Scented Fern: Dennstaedtia Punctilobula 

Hay-scented ferns have a lovely fragrance, like hay, when the plant is brushed. These plants are native to the midwestern and eastern United States in wooded areas and along banks of rivers. The fronds are lacy in design and stand erect when fully grown, turning more yellow in the autumn.

Aesthetics and Usage Of Hay Scented Fern

The fronds reach approximately 30” in length, and plants spread approximately two to three feet. They can be grown in various soil types, including areas with poor soil and rocks. Established plants can be sown in dryer soil.

Hay Scented Fern Is A Wonderful Native Plant

Ours are mature in age and size and ideal for areas with partial or full shade. They can tolerate full sun. The plants are easy to maintain, requiring only moderate maintenance and watering, and are resistant to rabbits. Individual ones spread quickly to form colonies that fill in surrounding areas, producing a lush appearance to any garden.

 The rhizomes may disrupt neighboring plants' development, so these should be planted in isolated areas with plenty of room for growth and spread.

No Flowers, just ornamental beauty

They do not flower. Leaves are fragrant and have a good fall, so some cleanup may be required in areas where the plants are grown. Insects and diseases are not common with them. The plants may decline in performance in warmer climates during the last few weeks of the summer.

Hay-scented ferns are great additions to areas with trees, adding charm to wild-growing gardens and cottage landscaping. They can also be used in wooded areas to fill in areas for a more natural look.

Hardy Planting Zone- 3 to 8

Bloom Season (if any) – Does not bloom Bloom Color 

N/A Height at Maturity – 1.5 to 2.0 feet

Soil Type Preferred- Medium moisture loams that are moist, acidic, and rich

Sun or Shade – Partial shade to full sun

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bare Root Plants
Height at Maturity icon

Height at Maturity

Under 2 Feet

Care icon

Care

Hay-scented fern flourishes in well-drained, moist soil. It’s resilient to varying soil conditions but prefers a consistently damp environment. Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry spells. Provide good air circulation around the fern to control fungal issues.

Plant Reproduction icon

Plant Reproduction

Hay Scented Fern spreads through underground rhizomes and spores

Choose early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool to plant healthy bare-root ferns. You can also use dormant plants to grow year-round. When you arrive, please soak the roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Ferns thrive in moist and shaded areas. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. Position the fern so the crown (where the roots meet the fronds) is just at or slightly below ground level. Gently backfill with soil firmly around the roots, and thoroughly water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for weed control and to retain moisture, ensuring the mulch does not touch the crown. Water during dry periods is used to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as ferns prefer nutrient-rich soil over direct fertilization.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.

Captivating aroma & lush foliage
Shade tolerance & low maintenance
Deer resistance & soil erosion control
View full details

What We Ship

The Benefits of Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are shipped without soil or pots, making them lightweight and easy to handle. They arrive dormant, ready to be planted and thrive as beautiful, healthy additions to your garden.

Cost-Effective

With no heavy pots or soil, you'll save 50-60% on shipping costs, and you can easily plant our plants yourself—no equipment needed, just a spade for digging small holes.

Hassle-Free

Bare root plants are hassle-free because they're lightweight, easy to handle, and require minimal packaging. They establish quickly, saving you time and effort in planting and maintenance.

Better Growth

Bareroot dormant plants are more hardy because they adapt better to new environments, with stronger root systems that establish quickly, leading to greater resilience and improved survival rates in various conditions.

Eco-Friendly

Bare root native plants are environmentally friendly because they promote biodiversity, require less water and maintenance, and support local ecosystems, making them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious gardening

Features
Why You'll Love This Hay Scented Fern

Lovely Fragrance

Hay Scented Fern emits a delightful hay-like scent when brushed or crushed, adding a pleasant aroma to your garden.

Deer Resistant

These ferns are naturally deer-resistant, ensuring your garden remains undisturbed by these animals.

Natural Ground Cover

These ferns spread rapidly, making them an excellent ground cover for shady areas, preventing soil erosion.

Attractive Foliage

The delicate, feathery fronds create a lush, green carpet that adds texture and beauty to any landscape.

Caring Tips

How do I care for my Hay Scented Fern?

Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.

Care Tips

Hay-scented fern flourishes in well-drained, moist soil. It’s resilient to varying soil conditions but prefers a consistently damp environment. Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry spells. Provide good air circulation around the fern to control fungal issues.

Light Requirements

Hay Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a relaxed, moist environment with filtered light or dappled shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded areas with adequate moisture.

Hardy Planting Zones

3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
68%
(13)
26%
(5)
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G
Ginni Griffen
Too early to tell

I received my bare roots, was looking for some guidance on how to plant. Thought there would be info of that sort with order.
I did get them in the ground and watered.
Look forward to seeing the ferns pop up in late spring. Not sure when they’ll show themselves. Advice ?

J
JANE FRASER
Don’t know

I didn’t realize I was only going to receive roots. I don’t have a problem with that as long as they grow. I have planted them in a shady spot protected from the rabbits and I’m hoping for the best.

C
Cassandra Johnson
Great quality and Directions

Love this mail order nursery they are very careful with mail order and the plants are healthy

C
Christopher Zirbel
Hay Scented Fern

I ordered as a BOGO. Got 2 extra. Very pleased with the packaging and shipping as well! Great experience

R
Rick Long
One of my favorite ferns.

Arrived on time and ready to plant. Bare root, but some are already coming up. I don't expect much out of the until next spring, so I'm looking forward to that.