Luckily, ferns are largely trouble-free
and rarely have outbreaks that need
to be addressed with action. Deer
leave them alone unless they are
extremely hungry. Slugs and snails
can be a problem in spring in some
areas of the country.
Most ferns rarely require division,
but they may be split if desired.
Division is least stressful to the plant
in early spring but can be accom-
plished at any time during the growing
season except late fall as long as plants
are shaded and not allowed to dry out.
Some ferns reproduce quite quickly
via stolons or rhizomes and may need
regular thinning to keep them in
check. Over-abundant self-sowing is
rarely an issue.
detailS Adiantum pedatum, North-
ern maidenhair (zones 2–8), is a
deciduous fern that grows to 30 in.
and spreads by rhizomes. It enjoys part
shade and moist, woodsy soil and can
be divided easily with a sharp knife.
Adiantum venustum, HimalayanAnisocampium niponicum ‘Pictum’ Dryopteris erythrosoraOsmundastrum cinnamomeum Matteuccia struthiopteris