ACIDIC SAND. Dryopt-eris cycadina

PART SHADE

ACIDIC SAND. Dryopt-eris erythro-sora PART SHADE

ACIDIC SAND. Polysti-chum proli-erum PART SHADE

ACIDIC SAND. Dryopt-eris filix-mas

PART SHADE

ACIDIC SAND. Dryopt-eris walli-chiana

PART SHADE

SAND. Polysti-chum polyble-pharum PART AND FULL SHADE

SAND. Polysti-chum setif-erum PART SHADE

Shield Ferns, Buckler Ferns, Holly Ferns and their Relatives

From The Encyclopaedia of Ferns An Introduction to Ferns, their Structure, Biology, Economic Importance, Cultivation and Propagation by David L. Jones ISBN 0 88192 054 1:-

"Genera Arachniodes, Cyrtomium, Dryopteris, Lastreopsis, Matteuccia, Polystichum, Rumohra, Tectaria and Woodsia are a loosely related group of ferns, which include many species which are favourites of enthusiastic gardeners and fern specialists alike.

Habitat
The vast majority of these ferns grow as terrestrials but Rumohra adiantiformis can grow as a terrestrial or an epiphyte and a few species of Dryopteris are epiphytes. Most of these ferns commonly grow in wet, shady situations in forests and along stream banks. Hardy species from northern latitudes may be covered in snow during winter.

Cultivation

Uses
These ferns are excellent for gardens, ferneries, and containers. A few are suitable for indoor decoration. Some have colourful new fronds (Dryopteris erythrosora) or spectacular flushes of new fronds (Dryopteris wallichiana) and should be planted where these features can be appreciated. Many from cold regions are dormant over winter and may even be deciduous. A wide range of frond shape and dissection is available and they are ideal for filling gaps in a fernery. See Chapter 22 on housing for ferns from The Encyclopaedia of Ferns An Introduction to Ferns, their Structure, Biology, Economic Importance, Cultivation and Propagation by David L. Jones ISBN 0 88192 054 1 for further details on fernery, lathe-house, shadehouse and bush-house.

Soil Types
Most of these ferns are adaptable to a variety of soils providing that drainage is unimpeded. Loams fortified with organic matter are particularly suitable. The majority prefer acid soils but some from limestone areas need a neutral to alkaline soil. See Chapter 9 - soils for ferns from The Encyclopaedia of Ferns An Introduction to Ferns, their Structure, Biology, Economic Importance, Cultivation and Propagation by David L. Jones ISBN 0 88192 054 1 for further details.

Potting Mix
An open mix based on a well-structured loam and fortified with peat moss, milled pine bark or chopped tree-fern fibre is usually satisfactoy for their growth. Some may require limestone chips in their mix. Many species have a vigorous root system and can quickly fill a pot. Repotting for most species will be required annually. See Chapter 10 - The basics of fern nutrition from The Encyclopaedia of Ferns An Introduction to Ferns, their Structure, Biology, Economic Importance, Cultivation and Propagation by David L. Jones ISBN 0 88192 054 1 for further details.

Watering
Ferns of this group like plenty of water while in active growth over spring and summer. Those species which are dormant over winter should be watered sparingly until new fronds appear. Some species like Blechnum, Doodia and Pteris may suffer frond sweating - a blackening of all or part of the fronds - if kept too wet during still, cool weather (sweating is much worse if the plants are crowded or overgrown with weeds).

Fertilizing
Fertilizers and manures are very beneficial to these ferns and promote strong healthy growth. Those in the ground can receive supplementary dressings at intervals during the growing season. A spring dressing on these species that become dormant will help a strong flush of new growth. Slow-release fertilizers incorporated into potting mixes help maintain growth. See chapter 11 - Fertilizers, manures and lime from The Encyclopaedia of Ferns An Introduction to Ferns, their Structure, Biology, Economic Importance, Cultivation and Propagation by David L. Jones ISBN 0 88192 054 1 for further detils.

Situation
Species of Arachniodes, Cyrtomium, Dryopteris, Lastreopsis, Matteuccia, Polystichum, Rumohra, Tectaria and Woodsia need protection from direct hot sun and like shade or perhaps filtered sun. In temperate regions like the UK a situation under deciduous trees (but not Beech which is antagonistic to Ferns) is ideal. Species from the tropics may be sensitive to cold, especially frosts.

Pests
Brown Scale and Fern Scale may kill fronds on species of Dryopteris, Cyrtomium and Tectaria. Passion Vine Hoppers can also damage developing fronds. "
See Chapter 13 - Fern Pests of The Encyclopaedia of Ferns An Introduction to Ferns, their Structure, Biology, Economic Importance, Cultivation and Propagation by David L. Jones ISBN 0 88192 054 1 for further details on control of fern pests.