Type: Deciduous fern (it dies down in winter but comes back every year).
Bloom: None (ferns do not flower; they are grown for their foliage) Blue-green fronds variegated with silver and a hint of burgundy.
Size: 18” H x 18” W.
Light: Partial Shade to shade. They tolerate some sun if well watered but will loose their color in too much sun.
Soil: High in organic matter; acid pH 5.5-6.5.
Fertilizer: Do not fertilize; mulch with organic matter.
Hardiness: Zones 3-9.
Care: Use a compost of peat moss in spring to maintain acid pH; cut away dead fronds in spring.
Pests and Diseases: none of importance
Propagation: Division of rhizomes
Companion Plants: Blue-green leafed Hosta, pink astilbe, Tiarella, old fashion bleeding heart, columbine, Heuchera ‘Silver Scrolls’, sweet woodruff, Lenten rose.
Outstanding Selections: ‘Pictum’ (also known as ‘Metalicum’) is readily available but others may be found, including ‘Ursula’s Red’ deep burgundy with silver; ‘Burgundy Lace’ with redder blush than ‘Pictum’; ‘Red Beauty’ with redder midrib and veins than ‘Pictum’.
Karen Meyers
Thank you! I’m going out today looking for ferns. I have maiden hair already. 🙂
There are many ferns available and each is beautiful in a different way. Some even take a lot of sun (like Lady fern); others need shade but there are beautiful ferns for most gardens. Maiden Hair is one of the best….nothing like it in terms of texture!
I have one of these but I think it is in too sunny a position. It grows ok but not abundantly so. It is a beautiful fern and I think there are some named varieties too – which I must investigate!
[…] (Catmint) 2006 Dianthus ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch) 2005 Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose) 2004 Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ (Japanese Painted Fern) 2003 Leucanthemum ‘Becky’ (Shasta daisy ‘Becky’) 2002 Phlox […]