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Ferns For The Waterside |
Dryopteris crestata is the Crested Buckler Fern which is
excellent for a bog garden or a damp peaty position. The deep
green variety grows from one to two and a half feet high.
There are several forms of this fern varying both in height and
general size and in the cut edges of the fronds.
D. felex mas Bollandae grows up to two and a half feet and
when established is very effective beside ponds and streams,
the dark green leaves being well and prettily divided. This
fern, too, has various forms, some of which thrive in the full
sun. D. goldiana is notable for the fact that, the pale green
fronds pass to golden-yellow as they age. The fern is often
catalogued under the lastreas.
Onoclea sensibilis is the Sensitive Fern. It will grow under
varying soil conditions but does particularly well near water
either in sun or shade. Once established, it makes dense
carpets which often spread over the surface of the
water.
Osmunda ferns are well known in their various forms. O.
cinnamomea often known as the Cinnamon Fern is quite stately
looking, often reaching a height of more than five feet, with
wide, deep green fronds, of which the stems have a rusty-
coloured downy surface. So long as the roots are very near
water, this fern will thrive in both sun and shade. O. gracilis
is particularly fine for the waterside, its unusual slender
branching delicate green leaves being three feet high and often
nearly as much wide.
Osmunda regalis is often known as the Royal Fern and is
one of the very best for growing near water. The large fronds,
four feet or more in height, open an attractive pale green shade,
which later in the year passes to many delightful autumn tints.
It is, however, only the sterile fronds which take on these
lovely colourings, the fertile or spore-bearing fronds being a
sandy-brownish colour and remaining more upright.
There are many forms of the Royal Fern, the variety crispa
having wavy margins; crestata is crested, while there are a few
coloured forms including purpurascens with purplish stems
and spectabilis, crimson, although the latter passes to green as
the leaves age.
Phyllitis is the name of the Hart's-tongue Ferns which can
be planted in shady positions close to water so long as the
crowns do not become waterlogged. In many catalogues and
lists these ferns will be found under the name scolopendrium
of which there are very many varieties. They are well known
because they retain their leaves and can often be seen lodged
almost precariously, in nooks and crevices near waterfalls or
on the sides of damp brick walls, bridges or wells.
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