Ferns

Ferns are found growing wild in most places on Earth with the majority of them in rainforests but they are also found growing everywhere from the Arctic to the base of Ayres Rock. Ferns are an ancient family and do not flower as they produce spore to reproduce in two life cycles. They are as many as 10,000 different species and of these only the best are grown for home gardeners.

We have a large range of ferns for indoors, shadehouse’s or shaded gardens with most ferns growing well in moist, well lit but shady, cool areas. There are always the exceptions and we can help you choose the right fern for your particular spot. Ferns are generally easy to grow but require adequate watering and regular feeding every couple of months with a good organic fertiliser.

Ferns for baskets

Some of the most popular and suitable ferns for baskets are those ferns with creeping rhizomes like Hares Foot ferns, Leather ferns and Polypodiums to name a few. Other excellent varieties include the Hen and Chicken Fern and Island Beauty, along with many others suitable for pots and baskets. Several varieties can also be mixed together in a single big basket to create a special feature.

Tree ferns

The Tree ferns are the largest of the fern family. Most people know the Dicksonia antartica tree fern that you can buy as a stump and it will reshoot to be a stunning fern. These are readily available from us and range in height from about 50cm tall to 3.5 m tall, they are also available in small pots. Cyathea cooperi and Cyathea brownii are popular varieties that will grow large very quickly and will take sun. One of the rare treeferns available is the Todea barbara- King Tree Fern, this is a beautiful treefern with a short, stocky habit with multiple heads giving it a bushy appearance. The trunk can grow to 1m x 1m with the fronds 1m above this. The fronds will grow quickly and the trunk will slowly grow and develop over the years. The King Tree Fern used to grow wild in the Mt Lofty area and is now on the endangered plant list with only a few small colonies remaining in its native habitat.

Maidenhair ferns

There are over 600 named varieties of Maidenhair ferns, not all of them will grow in our climate and even less are available. This fern is great for a well light area of your fernery or in a mixed hanging basket. Maidenhairs will also grow well in a well light area of your home providing you keep it well watered and fertilised and you can resist touching the delicate fronds all of the time.