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Growth Rate
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- Slow to moderate growth, spreading steadily by rhizomes into attractive colonies over time
Forms a dense, ground-hugging mat of fine fronds
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Provides shelter for insects, small amphibians, and invertebrates in shaded gardens
Not a significant nectar or pollen source but contributes to woodland habitat diversity
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Seasonality
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Spring: new bright green fronds unfurl
Summer: fronds mature to a soft, airy mound of foliage
Fall: foliage often turns coppery-bronze before dying back in cold climates
Winter: semi-evergreen in Zones 7–9; dies back to the ground in colder regions
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Ideal For
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– Woodland gardens, shaded rock gardens, groundcover under trees, borders with Hostas or Heucheras, shady slopes with moisture |
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Leaf Description
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Delicate, lacy fronds composed of fan-shaped leaflets on slender, wiry black stems
Fronds are bright green when young, maturing to a soft medium green
Deciduous in colder zones, semi-evergreen in milder climates
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Flower Description
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None; ferns reproduce via spores, not flowers |
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Planting Instructions
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Plant in humus-rich, consistently moist but well-drained soil; amend with compost or leaf mold before planting
Site in a sheltered position protected from hot sun and drying winds
Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for spreading growth by rhizomes
Mulch with leaf mold or fine bark to help retain moisture and mimic natural woodland conditions
Best planted in spring or early fall for strong root establishment
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
Remove any damaged or tattered fronds during the growing season to maintain appearance
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Water Needs
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Requires consistently moist soil, never allowing it to dry out
Water deeply during prolonged dry periods, especially in summer
Sensitive to drought; mulch helps retain soil moisture
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Light Needs
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Prefers partial to full shade, thriving under dappled woodland canopy
Can tolerate early morning sun in cool climates if soil is consistently moist
Avoid hot afternoon sun which can scorch delicate fronds
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Harvesting
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Not harvested for use; occasionally fronds may be used decoratively in floral arrangements
Spores can be collected from mature fronds for propagation
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Fertilizing
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Light feeder; apply a thin layer of compost or leaf mold in spring as a natural fertilizer
Avoid heavy feeding or synthetic fertilizers which can damage delicate roots
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Pollination
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Ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers; no pollination required
Spores form on the undersides of fronds in summer and are wind-dispersed
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Companion Plants
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Woodland perennials such as Hosta, Pulmonaria, Brunnera, Tiarella, and Heuchera
Shade-tolerant groundcovers like Lamium, Epimedium, and Bergenia
Fern companions including Athyrium, Dryopteris, and Polystichum for textural contrast
Pairs beautifully with spring bulbs and shade-loving shrubs like Hydrangea and Rhododendron
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