Other Names:  Hair Fern

Description:

One of the most beautiful ferns; bright green fronds open atop contrasting, fine black stems, becoming horizontal and layered; a lovely addition to the garden; likes bright diffused light, and does not do well in direct sun or deep shade

Ornamental Features

Delta Maidenhair Fern is primarily valued in the garden for its cascading habit of growth. Its fan-shaped compound leaves remain light green in color throughout the season. The black stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes

Delta Maidenhair Fern is an herbaceous fern with a shapely form and gracefully arching fronds. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Delta Maidenhair Fern is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
• Container Planting
• Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Delta Maidenhair Fern will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should be grown in a location with partial shade. Keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Delta Maidenhair Fern is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It can be used either as 'filler' or as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, depending on the height and form of the other plants used in the container planting. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Fern Maidenhair Rosey

This is a perennial fern, typically grown as a houseplant, use a consistently moist but well-drained potting soil. Roots must never be allowed to dry out, pots may be set in a tray of wet pebbles. Excellent choice for bathrooms where humidity is generally higher. Remove any browned foliage immediately. Fronds typically grow to 12” wide and 18” long. .