Many ferns grow in the garden without any action. But what will become of them in winter? Do they tolerate frost or should they be protected? Here you get a good overview of hardy and sensitive fern species as well as tips for overwintering.

The ostrich fern is hardy and does not need winter protection

It depends on the type of fern

There are numerous types of ferns that survive the winter in Germany effortlessly and unscathed. These include, above all, those species that are native to Central Europe. You can confidently leave the following types of ferns unprotected to the frost:

  • maidenhair fern
  • ostrich fern
  • male fern
  • spleenwort
  • rib fern
  • Stag's Tongue Fern
  • Polypody
  • bracken
  • sickle fern
  • goldscale fern
  • font fern
  • Thorny shield fern
  • red veil fern
  • elephant trunk fern
  • Schellenbaumfern

The following species do not tolerate frost, or do so poorly, as they mainly come from tropical regions. They are more suited to indoor culture and should be kept indoors during the winter:

  • sword fern
  • cycad
  • tree ferns
  • filigree fern
  • rabbit foot fern
  • cliff fern
  • antler fern

How can ferns be protected outdoors?

If you only plant your fern outdoors in autumn, you should protect it in the first winter. In addition, all sensitive species such as the silver tree fern and crown fern should be protected from severe frost.

That's how it's done:

  • if there is a trunk, wrap it with straw mats or fleece
  • Cover the root area with a layer of leaves and/or brushwood
  • Tie the fronds together or cut them in half
  • no longer fertilize by September at the latest
  • exempt from protection from March/April

How are evergreen house ferns overwintered?

Room ferns should also be overwintered or in a different place during the winter than in the summer. You come into a cooler room that has temperatures between 12 and 15 °C. The warmer it is, the more light the plants need. If necessary, an artificial light source must be used.

Water the house ferns less in winter, but in such a way that the soil does not dry out. Increase humidity levels by regularly spraying them with water. Fertilizer should not be applied. From March, the indoor ferns will return to their original location. This is important before new fronds form.

tips and tricks

A winter quarters in the warm living room is not a suitable place for ferns. There, due to the dry heating air, they are susceptible to pests and not infrequently infested by spider mites.

Category:

Vegetable garden