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Fond of Fronds

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  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    edited June 2022
    According to Martin Rickard in his book on garden ferns,  adiantum sold as 'pedatum' are usually 'aleuticum'. But they are so similar I don't worry about it. One day I might get down on hands and knees with a hand lens to decide which mine are, as he does explain the difference, but not yet.......they are all beautiful, and contrast well with other plants.
    My three were bought as
    adiantum pedatum 'Imbricatum',
    adiantum pedatum 'Aleuticum'
    and adiantum pedatum.
    But I've learned that the labels don't always match the ferns, and sometimes as in pedatum 'Aleuticum' they don't make sense!
    A. aleuticum is a species from the western coast of North America, and Japan.
    A. pedatum is a different species from the eastern coast of North America.
    But at the end of the day if I see a fern on sale that I like I will buy it. But I'm careful not to say it is what the label says unless I'm sure, when anyone asks or if I pass any on.

    @TheGreenMan you should find an adiantum (however labelled) quite easily anywhere that sells more than the usual three or four ferns offered everywhere. 
    If you like it, buy it! 
    As long as it's not one of the indoor ones of course.
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Thanks @Woodgreen

    I love it.  My sister said it looks like it's wearing a business suit....pinstriped.

    I must say I saw some amazing specimens there.  I might have to back again soon and make more notes.

  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    @TheGreenMan That's a good idea, note down names of ferns that appeal to you, then if you find yourself visiting nurseries or garden shows you can see what's available from your list, or there may be something very similar. The fern specialists at shows are a good source of the more unusual ferns and information on how to grow them.
    I'm not that well organised (the list is inevitably at home while I'm away....) But I often rely on a simple good/bad system. I can often see a plant and something I've read jogs my memory saying "it's good, buy it". Or "it's bad, avoid." But with the passing of years this system is less reliable.......leading to "I missed my chance there" or "Oh no, not another thug!" 
    I ought to make more use of Google while out and about I suppose. 
    Enjoy your ferns.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    I keep meaning to mention on here that https://instagram.com/mafjuzferns ('amateur pteridomaniac') is a good follow on Instagram.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I've been rescuing my ferns from from the ground and potting the refugees up until the conditions are more favourable. Not ideal but at least they'll survive.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • The ferns that were established so far are surviving. Early this year I planted some ferns that I had nurtured in pots for a year - a year ago I pruned the matty nursery roots and potted them in a rich soil/compost mix. Those ferns had a good start early this year, but I've had to do regular deep soakings with a watering can during the past dry and hot period. To compensate I hardly shower B)
  • Polypodium cambricum develops new fronds around this time of year. After the summer drought its old foliage looked awful, but I was pleasantly surprised that it pushed up its new fronds freely, without having received any watering during the drought.



  • Our tree ferns are sending up new fronds now. Not usual for them at this time of the year but maybe as the weather cooled they decided  they would like to continue to grow. They do look great.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I put this lot on the table  while I'm  tidying up the patio. Nothing rare or amazing  but I'm  pleased with them 

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    B3 They do look good.Your black table reminded me how lovely they look with Ophiopogon nigrescens. Also good with your Burning Embers  the orange with the dark leaves are lovely. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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