Foxtail Fern Care Creating a Summer Oasis : thegardenerplanet.blogspot.com

The 'Myers' foxtail fern is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for any shade to part-shade garden, with a distinctive, eye-catching growth habit that resembles the brush-like, upright shape of a foxtail. Mature examples can grow to be 2'-3' tall and broad, and when mass planted, they provide a magnificent backdrop for smaller annual color plants in front or a striking block of green in a place where other plants do not thrive. Follow these tips from the experts at North Haven Gardens to get the most out of your foxtail ferns. They are very easy to prune back if a shorter fern is desired. They make great accents in containers on porches, and they can even be moved into a bright window as a houseplant in winter. Just be sure to mist them weekly, as central heat will dry out many houseplants.

Where and How to Plant Foxtail Ferns

Foxtails, like other perennial outdoor ferns, thrive in filtered light and well-drained, organic-rich soil. If you're planting in heavy clay soil, it's worth the time and money to amend the beds with expanded shale and compost before planting, and then mulch with compost (which lightens the soil and provides low-level fertilization) or pine bark or pine straw (which provides the slight acidification that ferns require).

Most perennial ferns are drought-tolerant once established, but they will benefit from occasional waterings (even using a water wand on the foliage) to maintain them lush and green. Water at least 24 hours before a projected freeze, especially during the first year following planting when the ferns are establishing themselves. This may seem like the wrong thing to do, but putting water over a plant's roots can provide some protection from a freeze. It's also a good idea to cover first-year plantings with frost cloth ahead of freezing weather.

Caring for Foxtail Ferns in the winter

Foxtails require little attention during the growing season. Fertilize with a low-formulation fertilizer, such as Espoma's® Holly-tone, later in the winter, and then every three months to heighten foliage color and support new growth during the growing season.

Clip back and remove dying or damaged fronds at the plant's base to allow light and warmth in while also encouraging new growth. With just a little work each year, your summer oasis, brimming with foxtails and other ferns, will become a welcome shelter both during the summer and throughout the year.

The ideal environment for Foxtail Ferns.

Most homeowners in Texas approach summer with mixed feelings: the prospect of relentless heat and scorching sun saps many gardeners' energy and enthusiasm before the season even begins. However, with only a tiny amount of shade or filtered light, adequate soil, and a convenient water source, it's simple to create a cool glade of ferns that will be a welcome oasis on the warmest of days. North Haven Gardens is here to help you turn your house into an oasis this summer!

The Look and Appeal of Foxtail Ferns

Ferns come in a variety of stunning green colors and arching, elegant foliage textures, with many capable of surviving our harsh growing circumstances. The Japanese holly fern is the toughest of them all, with thick, sharply serrated fronds and a naturally shiny emerald green color. These can grow to be 2'-3' tall and broad, providing an excellent taller backdrop for smaller shade-loving plants. Similar in size, 'Autumn Brilliance' ferns have softer, lacier leaf that turns a gorgeous cinnamon color as the fronds age.

Different types of ferns

The asparagus fern, which belongs to the asparagus (rather than the fern) family, is one of the most popular "ferns" of all time. The long (up to 2.5') drooping fronds are made up of hundreds of thread-like leaves with a rich, airy feel that is great for cascading from pots or hanging baskets. Another popular asparagus fern variant is the 'Myers' foxtail fern, which has the same airy leaf as an asparagus fern but is thicker and has a distinctive upright (rather than cascading) growing pattern.