Started Maidenhair Fern at the wrong time — lessons learned

I planted Maidenhair Fern at entirely the wrong point in the growing calendar and spent the first few months wondering what I'd done wrong. root bound stunting in pots left too long without repotting didn't help matters. Once I understood positioning in shade or dappled light away from direct sun things improved substantially.

exceptional ability to thrive in deep shade is what makes this plant worth persisting with. In a fern wall or vertical garden in a shaded courtyard it finally looks as good as I'd imagined. spectacular new crozier unfurling in spring redeemed the whole effort. If you're starting out: do your timing research before you plant.