There are lots of species and varieties of ferns. But not all of them are considered to have good winter hardiness. Which species should you protect in winter and how?
How should you protect ferns in winter?
Protection is usually not necessary for ferns to overwinter outdoors. A layer of leaves helps with sensitive species. Ferns with a trunk can tolerate temperatures down to -12 °C and should be protected: straw mats around the trunk, shorten or tie up fronds and cover the root area with leaves and brushwood. Evergreen ferns in pots should be frost-free.
Summer green ferns outdoors do not need winter protection
As a rule, only those types of ferns that survive the winters in this country without damage are offered in stores for the garden. If you still have reached for a sensitive piece, you can protect it with a layer of leaves in winter.
The exception: ferns with trunk
Fern species that form a rhizome (stem) above ground can tolerate frost down to a minimum of -12 °C. These specimens should be protected:
- Cover the trunk area with straw mats
- Short the fronds by half or tie them together
- Cover the root area with a layer of leaves and brushwood
Tips & Tricks
Most evergreen fern species are planted in pots. The reason: They cannot tolerate frost. Always place such specimens in a frost-free place in winter!
