Monrovia : Learn

A large, vigorous fern that may reach 4 feet tall at maturity. Western U.S. native that is widely adaptable to any cool moist place. Long, leathery fronds are upright and stately, unfurling in yellow-green then darkening to emerald. Excellent choice that retains its foliage even in cold weather. Semi-evergreen. Shade to part shade. Rapid growth to 4 feet, 2 feet or more wide. Hardy.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Shade

Watering Needs: Needs wet or constantly moist soil.

Pruning Time: No Value

Growth Rate: Fast Growing

Growth Habit: Clumping

Design Information

Companion Plants

GOLDEN JAPANESE FOREST GRASS
Hakonechloa macra `Aureola`

EBONY KNIGHT^™ MONDO GRASS
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebknizam'

NEON LIGHTS FOAM FLOWER
Tiarella x 'Neon Lights' P.P.# 13289

PEWTER LACE PAINTED FERN
Athyrium niponicum 'Pewter Lace' P.P.# 15721

(Click on image for more information. New window will open.)

Companion Plants (Description): Group this fern with other woodland beauties such as Golden Japanese Forest Grass, (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'), Pewter Lace Painted Fern, (Athyrium niponicum 'Pewter Lace'), Ebony Knight Mondo Grass, (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Ebknizam') and Neon Lights Foam Flower, (Tiarella x 'New Lights').

Design Styles: A perfect space filler to flesh out shade gardens and landscapes under large shade trees or groves. Exceptional for filling gaps in rock waterfalls where shade prevents other plants. A good problem solver for narrow sideyards and fleshes out difficult north facing foundation planting.

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed frequently during growing season with a general purpose fertilizer. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring.

Background Information

History: This fern is native to a huge range spanning much of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus was classified and named by Austrian botanist Heinrich Schott. It is found in oak forests of Europe, which explains the translation of its name from the Greek for oak fern.

Lore: In ancient Europe, ferns were often associated with incantations and spells granting one invisibility because the plants lacked seeds and seemed to magically appear.

Catalog Description: A large, vigorous fern that may reach 4 feet tall at maturity. Western U.S. native that is widely adaptable to any cool moist place. Long, leathery fronds are upright and stately, unfurling in yellow-green then darkening to emerald. Excellent choice that retains its foliage even in cold weather. Semi-evergreen. Shade to part shade. Rapid growth to 4 feet, 2 feet or more wide. Hardy.