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Perennials
Attractive, lacy fronds add elegance
Low-maintenance, easy to grow
Resilient to various soil types
Thrives in
ZONE 3ZONE 4ZONE 5ZONE 6ZONE 7ZONE 8ZONE 9Planting Season:
Year-RoundThe Cinnamon Fern is a large deciduous plant characterized by its distinctive, brown-colored fertile fronds standing upright in the center. It is captivating and versatile and has numerous landscaping benefits. This plant, native to eastern North America, has become famous for gardeners and landscapers due to its aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and environmental contributions.
Cinnamon Fern grows to a height of 6 feet and spreads about 4 feet on its black stalks. The unfurled pinnae are Kelly green on top, while the fronds in the center of the plant, which give it its name, are dark brown and resemble sticks of cinnamon because they grow straight up.
Early in the spring, the central fronds that turn brown later start life as silver-colored fiddleheads. They're covered in fur, too, charmingly "shaking off the cold of winter." The broad fronds on the stalks form a cute rosette around the central stalks. The silver fiddleheads match well with Fescue or Brunner. Those fiddleheads appear early in the year when the top of the plant is clumped together in a cute bundle.
When the fiddleheads are ready to open, their silver hair turns brown and clings to the base of the pinnae as they expand to their full glory. The large, broad pinnae on 3-foot fronds is the sterile variety. In the center of the plant, the brown-colored fronds with much smaller pinnae are the fertile fronds. The plant's attractiveness comes from the contrast between the two frond types. Secondarily, the contrast between the expanded fronds and any nearby silver flowers they used to match is equally striking. When it comes to the sterile fronds, they can hold almost two dozen pinnae that taper gently in size from large to small, creating a shape that nearly resembles a palm frond made up of pinnae.
This plant doesn't have sori. Instead, it has sporangia that surround the stalk of the fertile frond. These turn brown as they open and give the plant its name. Up close, they're made up of tiny dots that wrap around the stalk in delicate, beautiful shapes. From the time the plants peek through until the fiddleheads unfurl, it is about a week during the spring. During this time, you can see the shape of the pinnae and fronds develop and become full members of the garden for that year.
Cinnamon Fern makes an attractive, striking, and attention-grabbing entry in any garden, and because they're perennial, they'll be back every year to be a lovely garden anchor.
Height at Maturity
Over 2 Feet
Care
Cinnamon Ferns thrive in consistently moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil rich and mulched to retain moisture. Water regularly during dry periods and remove dead fronds to maintain their appearance. Fertilize in spring with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for best results.
Plant Reproduction
Cinnamon Fern spreads via underground rhizomes and produces new fronds
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.
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Soil Erosion Control:
Cinnamon Fern’s robust root system helps stabilize soil, making it a practical choice for preventing erosion in shaded or sloped areas. It contributes to a healthier and more stable garden environment.
Ideal for Shaded Areas:
Perfectly suited for low-light or shaded garden spots, Cinnamon Fern thrives where other plants may struggle. It’s an excellent choice for enhancing those tricky, darker areas of your landscape.
Cold Hardiness:
Adaptable to a variety of climates, Cinnamon Fern is cold hardy and can handle a range of temperatures. It’s a reliable choice for diverse gardening conditions, ensuring year-round beauty.
Easy Propagation:
Cinnamon Fern can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to grow new plants and expand their garden effortlessly. It’s a cost-effective way to enhance your landscape.
Caring Tips
Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.
Care Tips
Cinnamon Ferns thrive in consistently moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil rich and mulched to retain moisture. Water regularly during dry periods and remove dead fronds to maintain their appearance. Fertilize in spring with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for best results.
Light Requirements
Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate some morning sun, but it should be shielded from the harsh midday and afternoon sunlight to maintain its lush, green foliage.
Hardy Planting Zones
3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9
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