Tassel Fern

Ferns may be the most universally recognized plant for shady and woodland locations in the landscape. The origins of their lineage go back over 300 million years ago when these nonflowering plants appeared before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Tassel Ferns are the some of the most attractive of these prehistoric plants. The stiff and sturdy fronds are topped with decorative tassels early in their development and then bend back to create a stunningly elegant and vase-shaped form. The deep green fonds are evergreen and add plenty of interest to the garden through the winter months. Polystichum polyblepharum is native to Japan and South Korea where it thrives in damp, wooded areas. Tassel Ferns make a great medium-growing ground cover for hard-to-plant areas under trees and near building foundations. The fine hairs up and down the fronds give this plant an added level of texture that contrasts well with other shade-loving plants such as hostas, bleeding hearts, coral bells, or other species of fern. Ferns are virtually pest and disease free and unharmed by any random deer or rabbit browsing. Tassel Fern Care Grow Tassel Ferns in well-draining soil that remains moist, although these perennials can tolerate drier soils in shady sites. These plants prefer a slightly acidic (6.0 - 7.0) to neutral soil pH. Water newly planted ferns well for the first year or so until the root systems are fully established. Deep watering once or twice a week helps roots grow deeper in the ground and tolerate drought better. Supplemental fertilizing is rarely required for good growth when ferns are mulched with an organic material annually. Mulch the root zone in late winter as the new fronds begin to develop. Use an organic material such as compost or shredded arborist chips that will break down and enrich the surrounding soil. Avoid putting mulch over the growing points in the crown. Leave any spent fronds on the plant through the winter to insulate the crown from extremes in temperature. Prune out the previous years' fronds early in the spring when the new fiddleheads are developing. Divide Tassel Ferns when they begin to grow smaller or become too crowded. Late in the winter after pruning the fronds, dig up the whole plant including as much of the root ball as possible. Cut through the mass with a garden knife or a sharp spade, making sure that each division has one or two growth points Tassel Fern Spacing Tassel Ferns grow well in containers and will give your outdoor areas an elegant feel. Choose containers with excellent drainage in the bottom and at least a 16-inch diameter. Space plants 16-18 inches between centers when planting ferns in the garden as a ground cover.