During one of my many plant purging digs (our fist summer here) I uncovered a tiny graceful black stem with the brightest of chartreuse leaves. It had been buried under an over grown mass of “those ferns” (code for I have no idea what they are but see them in a lot of old gardens) and was just barely alive. At the time I had no idea of its name but I know it now as Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum), since that day it has grown into a delicate powerhouse of a plant.
I like how it acts as a compliment to the larger hosta leaves nearby.
The stats:
- Hardy in zones 3-8
- Eventually reaches a size of 1-2.5 ft tall x 1-1.5 ft wide
- Likes part shade to full shade and will tolerate dense shade
- Deciduous
Here’s an interesting picture of the single one of “those ferns” that I left in place. I cut it completely back each spring so the new growth can shine, I don’t remember ever seeing it form such a cone shape...
Since I’m combining this “fav plant of the week” post with Pam’s monthly Foliage Follow-up it's only right to add a second plant (and in fact I originally planned to feature this one, but then got distracted by the fern) I give you Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail rush)...
It’s pushing out a ton of fat new growth right now and just looks fabulous, although I couldn't get a great picture no matter how hard I tried.
The stats:
- This is highly invasive, only plant it where you can contain it!
- Hardy in zones 4-9
- Height: 2 to 4 ft, spread: 1 to 6 ft
- Full sun to shade
- Likes it's feet to be wet
All material © 2009-2013 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
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