Monday, May 18, 2009

Maintaining Maidenhair Ferns

I love Maidenhair ferns! I buy one every couple months to keep inside the house. They don't last too long because if they dry out at all, they die, and I am not as constant as I should be when it come to watering the houseplants. I consider the Maidenhairs as pretty as cut flowers and I justify buying them as I would a bouquet for the house, they just make me happy. When they start looking a bit shabby I cut them back and find a spot in the garden where they will thrive, which is not easy in our climate. But there is always a spot somewhere in the shade that doesn't drain well and that is exactly what they like. They can handle wet feet and are a good solution for problem areas that don't dry out in between watering.

7 comments:

Northern Shade said...

I love maidenhair ferns, and grow the hardy northern maiden hair fern in my garden. Their lacy fronds contrast nicely with more broad-leafed shade plants. They are late to rise here, though.

Gail said...

I love this sweet and lacy fern...and envy the gardener with those moist conditions it loves! We dry out here once the droughts set in, but I don't have to explain droughts to you! Have a sweet day in your garden. gail

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

What a great idea - to buy maidenhair fern instead of the bouquet of cut flowers! I love it, thanks, Sheila!

Unknown said...

I love maidenhair too. I have one growing in a pot. Loved reading all about it, Sheila.

Unknown said...

Have never thought of planting one in the garden!! Great idea.

EB said...

Blime, and I've always castigated myself for letting them die after a couple of years! I'm awful with houseplants. Maybe I'll allow myself one again then. I keep them in the bathroom, where I'm more likely to think of watering them and I like the look of them.

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