Xeric Fern Culture

These small attractive ferns are best located in full sun between rocks, at the base of rocks or in rock crevices. Some species prefer calcareous rocks, other prefer acidic conditions. All demand excellent drainage!

Use a loose mixture of humus and abundant coarse sand, grit (chicken grit), oyster shell, Permatil and gravel. At the Georgia Perimeter College Botanical Garden our first xeric bed was dug on a slope to a depth of about 20 inches and then filled, layering with rocks, sand and compost. Permatil was worked into the top layer. The resulting bed is approximately 1/3 humus, 1/3 grit, and 1/3 Permatil. This provides essential drainage for these ferns, especially to enable them to survive wet winters. Here in Atlanta and surrounds, most of the fern species will over-winter in a dormant state, although a few varieties are evergreen. It may be necessary to add some coarse sand to the bed in late fall to reduce the possibility of rhizome freezing. When watering, take care to not water the crown of the fern to help prevent crown rot. Although these are xeric ferns, they do appreciate water during th growing season. The plants should be weaned off water and feeding in late summer, starting in September.

Fertilizing: We use a diluted solution of Monty's Joy Juice (8-16-8, at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water). One application is given in May to encourage a flush of new growth and a second application in late June to carry the fern through the summer.

Most xeric fern species have short creeping rhizomes and can slowly form thick clumps. Many have beautiful undersides, so providing height when situating the ferns showcases these features. The lovely blue-greens contrast with the rocks. Because of the small size and delicate features, you will want to locate the ferns where they can be observed closely, or perhaps, maintain them in a pot.

Once established, these ferns can survive long dry periods because planting among rocks cools the roots. It is normal for the ferns to respond to drought with curling and browning of fronds. This reduces the total leaf surface exposed to the sun. Re-hydrated by rain or watering, they will uncurl and reestablish their color again.

Some species of xeric ferns are more difficult to grow than others; some are downright challenging! Start out with ferns native to Georgia. The GPC Native Plant Botanical Garden is compiling a list of xeric ferns that would be easy to grow in the Atlanta area provided the bed is prepared properly. After about three years of research and trials, we are confident that the following ferns will thrive in the southeastern garden:

Astrolepis:

Astrolepis sinuata (Wavy Cloak Fern)

Cheilanthes:

Cheilanthes lanosa (Hairy Lip Fern)
Cheilanthes tomentosa (Woolly Lip Fern)
Cheilanthes alabamensis (Alabama Lip Fern)
Cheilanthes lindheimeri (White Colt Lip Fern)
Cheilanthes myriophylla (Argentine Lip Fern)
Cheilanthes argentea (Desert Lip Fern)

Pellaea:

Pellaea ovata (Texas Cliff Brake Fern)
Pellaea wrightiana (Wright's Cliff Brake Fern)

Where can I find these ferns for my sun garden? That is the big question! You can bet you will not be picking up these ferns at a local nursery. There are, however, 3 nurseries propagating a few of the xeric ferns:

Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, NC
Crow Dog Nursery, Pickens, SC
Fancy Fronds Nursery, Goldbar, WA

Fern Ridge Farms, Canton, GA
The GPC Native Plant Botanical Garden will be propagating some of these ferns for sale.

We hope you try and are successful at growing these wonderful plants.