I have 'inherited' evergreen maidenhair ferns in my new house garden. I'm in Northwest Indiana where we get brutal winters. I'm confused when is the best time to prune back the dead fronds. Late winter? Spring? Fall? Should I mulch them for the winter? THANK YOU FOR POSTING❤
Hi. I lived in Fort Wayne through a few snowy winters, so I understand your concern. I wouldn't prune your ferns until you've had a chance to see how they regrow in spring after snow melt. Chances are you'll have enough snow to insulate the roots, but it doesn't hurt to mulch. Hope this helps. Congrats on your new home and garden!
So I was wondering (not knowing much about ferns or shade plants in general) how much I should prune since they receive so much shade -- I was afraid if I pruned a lot they might not have as much energy reserves to come back like other plants in the sun. But that's never been a problem for you? My mom has a few of these by her house and I swear they're older than I am...
Great question. Where I live (the Pacific Northwest USDA 8), sword ferns in the shade come back fine after hard pruning. However, to test the idea in your zone or micro-climate, experiment with removing only the oldest fronds in late winter just as new fronds appear at the base. Sword ferns evolved in the forest and the oldest fronds naturally die and bend to the ground, which allows room for the new fronds to emerge. This process also creates a self-mulch and moister soil, which contributes to their vigor. So, perhaps turn the prunings into mulch? Thanks for commenting and have fun with your ferns!
Great question Victoria. The mound will still be there after trimming, assuming the plant is alive and healthy. Sword ferns grow bigger each year from this mound (crown of rhizomes). To reduce the size (or propagate), divide the fern in spring or fall. Hope this helps!
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I have 'inherited' evergreen maidenhair ferns in my new house garden.
I'm in Northwest Indiana where we get brutal winters.
I'm confused when is the best time to prune back the dead fronds.
Late winter? Spring? Fall?
Should I mulch them for the winter?
THANK YOU FOR POSTING❤
Hi. I lived in Fort Wayne through a few snowy winters, so I understand your concern. I wouldn't prune your ferns until you've had a chance to see how they regrow in spring after snow melt. Chances are you'll have enough snow to insulate the roots, but it doesn't hurt to mulch. Hope this helps. Congrats on your new home and garden!
@@SuzyDinglesGarden 💗thank you for responding!!
So I was wondering (not knowing much about ferns or shade plants in general) how much I should prune since they receive so much shade -- I was afraid if I pruned a lot they might not have as much energy reserves to come back like other plants in the sun. But that's never been a problem for you? My mom has a few of these by her house and I swear they're older than I am...
Great question. Where I live (the Pacific Northwest USDA 8), sword ferns in the shade come back fine after hard pruning. However, to test the idea in your zone or micro-climate, experiment with removing only the oldest fronds in late winter just as new fronds appear at the base. Sword ferns evolved in the forest and the oldest fronds naturally die and bend to the ground, which allows room for the new fronds to emerge. This process also creates a self-mulch and moister soil, which contributes to their vigor. So, perhaps turn the prunings into mulch? Thanks for commenting and have fun with your ferns!
Does that mound every go away after you trim the ferns?
Great question Victoria. The mound will still be there after trimming, assuming the plant is alive and healthy. Sword ferns grow bigger each year from this mound (crown of rhizomes). To reduce the size (or propagate), divide the fern in spring or fall. Hope this helps!