Texas is a land of direct contrast , with high , windy plateau , mess ranges , hot deserts , wooded hills and sandy Gulf Coast areas . Much of that seems inhospitable to wet - loving fern , yet * * Texas has 127 aboriginal fern species * * , more than any other state in the continental U.S. In add-on , Texas gardener grow alien ferns from other places , so there ’s a range of fern option you’re able to regard base on your horticulture condition .
Step 1
For an area that stay consistently moist , royal fern(Osmunda regalis ) , which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4 through 9 , grows 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide . Its foresightful frond have broad , common leaflets and decease back in winter . regal fern prefers acidic soil fat in organic matter , such as pool sharpness , streams and water gardens . It grows either in partial subtlety or , if kept wet , sun . It ’s aboriginal to most continent and acquire wild in Texas . Another wet - loving fern , but with a more finespun appearance , maidenhair fern(Adiantum capillus - veneris , USDA geographical zone 5 through 8) grows in a variety of Texas habitats , including bogs , streams , and smashed area . stringy , arch stems have mathematical group of fan - regulate leaflet . It grow 9 to 18 inches tall and wide , preferring partial to full shade .
Step 2
Step 3
Drought-Tolerant Ferns
Some fern can withstand a certain amount of drought , even though they may also be able to mature in dampish conditions . Such is the case withSouthern maiden fern(Thelypteris kunthii , USDA zone 7 through 11 ) , also call Grant Wood fern or buckler fern . It tolerates the Great Compromiser soils and summer droughts fairly well , specially if in tone . It can diffuse speedily and grows about 3 feet tall and wide . It ’s native to Texas Hill Country and much of the South . Even tougher ishairy lip fern(Cheilanthes lanosa , USDA zones 5 through 9 ) , which can withstand lengthened drought once it ’s give . Plant it between rock’n’roll where origin can be shaded and the soil retains wet . The soil must be well - draining . Its fronds are 8 to 15 inches long , with plants 8 inches magniloquent and wide .
Ferns for Shady Areas
If you have an region of obtuse shade , such as under tree or on the north side of a business firm , it ’s often difficult to observe plants that stomach those conditions . desirable for low - sparkle situation , tassel fern(Polystichum polyblepharum , USDA zones 5 through 8) has sour fleeceable , delicately divided , evergreen fronds that constitute a thump 2 provender wide and marvellous . In outpouring , the ends of uncurling fronds flip over to resemble a tassel before the frond fully unfurls . Another evergreen plant fern that require shadowiness , Christmas fern(Polystichum acrostichoides , USDA zones 3 through 8) is aboriginal to the southeast , admit Texas . It ’s still green at Christmas , which is how it contract its name . Its deep green , feathery frond are upright in summer but lie in flat in winter . It originate 1 to 3 feet wide and tall .
Colorful Varieties
Not all ferns have green frond . Some are colored , such asJapanese painted fern(Athyrium niponicum " Pictum , " USDA zones 5 through 8) , widely planted for its leaf . grey - green , silvery folder , sometimes with burgundy hues , bond to a cherry-red root word . The deciduous fern is 8 to 12 inches grandiloquent and blanket , preferring shade to fond shade and moist condition . bring bright tonus into gardens , autumn fern(Dryopteris erythrosora , USDA zones 5 through 11 ) has feathery fronds that show pinkish - coppery color in spring . Suitable as a ground cover , it uprise 18 to 24 inches marvellous and 18 in broad . fall fern prefers shade and moist soil .
Invasive Ferns
Some fern spread by imprint plantlet around the female parent flora to create a clump . Others spread by sending out fawn rootstock from the antecedent that travel underground and pop up new plants at a space from the parent . Japanese creeping fern(Lygodium japonicum , USDA zones 7a through 10b ) sends out rhizome and grows wiry vine up to 90 foundation long , capable of suffocate nearby plants . Avoid planting this fern in Texas , as it becomes invasive . Nipponese holly fern(Cyrtomium falcatum , USDA zones 6 through 11 ) can also become invasive if it spreads into natural habitats . Dig out plants and cut off frond before they imprint spore .
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