Durban’s fertile soil is ideal for cultivating ferns. We introduce you to a few tough ferns which will do very well in the shade of trees and large shrubs where other plants battle to grow.
These vascular plants reproduce by means of spores and not flowers and seeds. They have been around for millions of years and can grow in habitats ranging from high mountains, dense forests, dry desert rock faces, bodies of water and open fields. The fact that they can be terrestrial, aquatic, or epiphytic is a further indication of their vast scope of habitat.
Mother Fern
Asplenium bulbiferum is also called the hen-and-chicken fern, as this robust fern’s fronds resemble carrot leaves and sometimes feature little plantlets (bulbils) at the edges of each frond. Where they fall, they root. This fern is semi-deciduous and can tolerate short dry periods. Size 120cm x 90cm.
Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum is half-hardy and deciduous with deeply cut, spreading, grey-green fronds in burgundy, silver and green. Perfect for showy woodland borders. Size 25cm x 1m.
Shaggy Shield Fern
Dryopteris cycadina is a large genus of ferns found in wooded areas. It has a vase-shaped growth habit with stiff, slightly arching, leathery fronds. Semi-evergreen in cold climates but evergreen in mild winters. Size 60cm x 45cm.
Ribbon Fern
Pteris Cretica var. albolineata, also named the Cretan brake fern, is an evergreen fern with very interesting fronds. They are uniquely shaped and grey-green with a thick stripe of creamy variegation. Size 30cm x 60m.
Leather Leaf Fern
Rumohra adiantiformis is indigenous and a well-known fern grown for the floristry trade. The fronds are large, glossy and leathery in a deep green colour. It is fast-growing and will tolerate light frost. Size 50cm x 1m.
Blue Star Fern
Phlebodium aureum is an epiphyte that loves to grow on trees using its creeping rhizomes covered in ‘fur’ to cling to the bark. It will grow equally happy in garden soil. The fronds are blue-green with robust pinnae resembling fingers. Height up to 1m. However, also known as Polypodium aureum, this fern is listed as a category 3 invasive species in, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Japanese Holly Fern
Cyrtomium falcatum has long fronds with pairs of shiny and lush, deep green leaflets with sharp points and wavy or serrated margins. This fern is hardier than most and will thrive in deep shade. Height 0.5m.
Lace Fern
Microlepia strigosa has arching fronds that start with downy, light green hues, aging to dark green with a coarse texture. It is water thrifty when well established, and friendly to coastal gardens. Size 60 – 90cm x 60 – 90cm.
Southern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris is a fast-growing, mounding and dainty fern with flat, heart-shaped leaves on black wiry stems. It loves water and the soil around it should never dry out. If damaged by drought or frost, it soon sprouts again with renewed vigour. Size 30cm x 30cm.
