Japanese Beech Fern

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Most Sun Conditions)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Most gardeners think that only damp shady gardens are suitable to grow ferns. In fact there are a number of fern species that grow very well in the often hard to plant dry shade areas of a garden. Japanese Beech Fern is one herbaceous perennial that will happily grow in moist or dry shade and even take a little bit of sun early or late in the day. In fact, a few hours of dappled sun exposure will keep Japanese Beech fern a brilliant lime green color.

Japanese Beech Fern is not bothered by deer or disease and returns year after year with fresh new growth that needs little seasonal maintenance. Mass plantings of ferns in a woodland garden makes for a wonderful groundcover that will help to exclude weeds all summer long. The abundance of plush fronds makes for wonderful cover for wildlife in the garden and provides material for floral arrangements from late spring to late fall.

Japanese Beech Fern Care

Japanese Beech Fern is not fussy about soil pH or moisture levels. The soil must be free draining and not too heavy with clay. Solis that stay waterlogged during the winter will cause root rot and kill this plant. A mostly shade to partly sunny location will help Japanese Beech Fern to thrive and multiply robustly.

Semi-evergreen ferns such as Japanese Beech Fern need only an annual clean up of any dead or dying fronds early in the spring to make way for the lush new season growth. Leaving old fronds on the plant through the winter helps to protect the crown from harsh cold snow and provides mulch for the next season. Fertilizing is not often necessary. Mulching with organic compost or leaves in the fall is the best way to feed the soil.

Japanese Beech Fern Spacing

The mature height and width of Japanese Beech Fern is 3 feet. Spacing at 2 feet on center is recommended to achieve a quick ground cover when planting in a large mass. Using ferns for a border or in containers is also very effective. Make sure the container you use is at least 16 inches in diameter and has very good drainage.

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