I am looking to find some GIANT fern varieties, outdoor, indoor or greenhouse. anything,,,,having a hard time with the names too. I have seen a few around on the web, where can I buy spores or plants. and what about ordering plants by mail from outside Canada, can I get them past Homeland Security, and Agri Canada ? thanks...any help with be welcome Ricardo_maya_2@hotmail.com
How big do you want them? I have the local Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) growing in my garden. With regular mulching & a partial shade it gets to be about 5 feet high & 6-7 feet across. Is that big enough? The local Lady Ferm (Athyrium felix-femina) can get higher than my head & is probably the biggest fern in the Fraser Valley, by my observation. These are both often available at local garden centres, or you can probably find a neighbour, family member or friend with a large suburban lot who can give you one from a shady conrer. Lovely plants, low care & can be used as a feature.
what??????????? really ....wow I had no idea they could get that large. that is exciting to hear! I was thinking more about the tree frens, I think the comon name for one is tasmanian, I saw one with orange on its lower hairs. PNG organe giant. do you have any photos of your plants online? I live in Nanaimo. cheers Ricardo
I don't know much about Tree Ferns, except a neighbour of mine had one & wrapped it up in old carpet every winter - too much like hard work for lazy-me. One year it froze or otherwise expired anyway. You inspired me to take some pics. The straightedge is 4 feet. Left - Athyrium felix-femina. Middle - Polystichum munitum. These will grow some more yet. Right - The view with 3 kinds of ferns & assorted foliage things is my personal tiny bit of "rainforest" that I see from my living room windows.
The American Fern Society Spore Exchange... yes thanks! very nice plants !!! thanks for sharing the photos,,,what a really nice place ! ricardo