{"product_id":"3-leatherwood-fern-bare-root-plants-native-woodland-ferns-for-shade-gardens","title":"3 Leatherwood Fern Bare Root Plants – Native Woodland Ferns for Shade Gardens","description":"\u003cp\u003eLeatherwood Fern, also known as \u003cem\u003eDryopteris marginalis\u003c\/em\u003e, is a native woodland fern prized for its leathery, evergreen fronds and clumping habit. Its upright, arching fronds emerge in spring and persist through winter in many climates, providing year-round structure and texture in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas. This fern is an excellent choice for adding lush, low-maintenance greenery under trees and along streams.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a native species, Leatherwood Fern supports local ecosystems and is well-adapted to woodland conditions. It tolerates rabbit and deer pressure and is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Use it as a groundcover, specimen, or companion to other shade-loving perennials like hostas and wildflowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvergreen to semi-evergreen leathery fronds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClumping growth habit forms neat, vase-shaped rosettes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative to eastern North American woodlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-maintenance and tolerant of dry shade once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeer and rabbit resistant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dryopteris marginalis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial fern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial to full shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium; keep soil consistently moist until established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clumping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–24 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant bare roots in spring or early fall, when soil is workable and temperatures are moderate. Choose a shaded location with well-drained soil enriched with compost or leaf mold. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots, position the crown at or slightly below soil level, and backfill gently. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season to encourage establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce established, Leatherwood Fern is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells. Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot. Remove damaged fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Divide clumps every few years if they become overcrowded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 Leatherwood Fern bare root plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67836018295094,"sku":"FOLIA2-1835","price":71.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6587387458_4yeo.jpg?v=1793097378","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/3-leatherwood-fern-bare-root-plants-native-woodland-ferns-for-shade-gardens","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}