I Just Purchased Two Queen Anne Ferns For My Side…
Andrea Asked
I just purchased two Queen Anne ferns for my side porch but it gets a lot of sun there; is this okay?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Andrea: I am not familiar with a fern named ‘Queen Anne’; is it possible they are ‘Kimberly Queen’ ferns (Nephrolepis obliterata)? If this is the case, you are fine to place them your porch. These ferns can handle a lot more sun than other ferns can. In fact, they are happy to grow in full sun, which is great for us fern lovers who may not have shade that many other ferns require. These upright sword ferns are great in containers or planted in a bed. They can become very large, reaching 3 feet tall and wide at maturity. They are hardy to zone 9 but they can be over-wintered quite easily. The fronds can be cut back, bring the fern indoors, and place it in a space with bright filtered light. For now keep them moderately moist; watering once every 5-7 days should be fine but it is best to test the soil before watering. If the soil feels moist, wait a couple of days and then water. Make sure your containers have good drainage and you can feed your ferns once a month with your favorite fertilizer.
