Sensitive Fern - Onoclea sensibilis

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 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 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. 

It 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.

Groundcover like 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.

They 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. 

Water the plant frequently, but do not overwater. Add organic matter to the soil and keep the humidity high to promote growth. 

They 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. 

They 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. 

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.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 2 Feet

Care

Sensitive Ferns thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Keep them consistently watered, especially during dry spells. Regularly remove dead fronds to maintain their appearance and prevent disease. Mulching can help keep soil moisture and manage weeds.

Plant Reproduction

Sensitive Fern spreads via underground rhizomes and sporadic 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.

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