Fern Choices

Host: Gary Bachman, Ornamental Horticulture Specialist

Transcription:

Boston fern is a popular basket plant but there are many more fern choices today on Southern Gardening.

Fern baskets will thrive in our Mississippi landscapes as long as they are kept in partial to full shade. They’re gorgeous with the lush and lacey bright green foliage. Here’s some suggestions. A fern I like is asparagus fern, but did you know it’s not actually a fern? It’s a member of the lily family. Lush stems of dense, linear needle-like foliage cascade down from this hanging basket. This is a fast growing, easy care basket plant. Sword fern is commonly called Kimberly Queen fern and is gorgeous with both upright and sprawling growth habits. This fern has dark green sword-shaped leathery fronds that provide great texture. This is a great choice for our hot and humid summers. Macho fern lives up to its name and is a tough, rumble and tumble fern. The long, arching branches feature wide dark green fronds that have a much coarser texture than many other ferns. And finally, the popular Boston fern is perhaps the most common fern for hanging baskets. The graceful and arching branches are lush, with a rich green color. Ferns love consistent root zone moisture, a watering can with a long spout is an easy way to water.

So send in the fronds and enjoy a fern this summer season. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I hope you join me next time on Southern Gardening.