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PADDOCK
FERNS
Ferns, much loved by
Victorian gardeners, are now deservedly being rediscovered. They come
in all shapes and sizes, provide architectural interest and sometimes
drama, and are particularly useful for dark or damp spots. All the species
described should be reliably hardy in this part of the country, unless
otherwise indicated. Plants supplied in 1 litre pots in professional-grade
compost with 12-14 month granular fertiliser; some larger plants may be
supplied in bigger pots. Indications as to species and variety are, to
the best of our knowledge, accurate. |
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ASPLENIUM
SCOLOPENDRIUM Cristatum |
Or
to put it in more understandable terms, the Crested Hart's Tongue Fern -
an evergreen beauty with rich green strap-like fronds, heavily divided with
spreading crests. Guaranteed to provoke comment from visitors to your garden.
Best in light to full shade. 2 ft.
£2.25
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ATHYRIUM
NIPPONICUM Pictum |
Known
as the Japanese Painted Fern because of the silvery metallic colour that
the fronds develop set against the reddish stems. An attractive fern, happiest
in light shade where it will grow up to 2 feet.
£2.25
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ATHYRIUM
Lady in Red |
A
truly beautiful deciduous fern with tall upright fronds which are the expected
fern-green but have very distinctive burgundy-red stems, hence the name.
Not as frequently seen as Ursula, below, but just as lovely in her own way.
2 ft.
£2.95 |
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ATHYRIUM
Ursula's Red |
A new variety of Athyrium Nipponicum, which has caused something of a stir
in the last year or so. The fronds are a rich silver, with the colouring
of the stems broadening to create a dramatic deep red stripe to the centre
of the frond. 15 in. 2 litre pot.
£3.95 |
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CYRTOMIUM
FALCATUM |
Known
as the Japanese Holly Fern and you can see why, with its rather jagged glossy
evergreen fronds which give it a strong architectural presence. Fine in
the garden, given some shade, but also works well as an indoor plant. 2
ft.
£2.25 |
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DICKSONIA
ANTARCTICA |
Tree
fern. You will have seen these in garden centres as hugely expensive soft
trunks topped by ferny foliage. Well, this is your chance to take on an
exciting long-term project! We offer young plants, which will eventually
reach 20 feet in height. Will tolerate some direct sunlight.
£3.50 |
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DRYOPTERIS
ERYTHROSORA |
The
common name of Japanese Rosy Buckler Fern makes it sound lovely, and so
it is. Evergreen, the young fronds mature through pinky red to copper to
dark green with scarlet spore capsules on the reverse. Fabulous. Best in
light to full shade. To 18 in.
£2.25 |
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DRYOPTERIS
WALLICHIANA |
A
substantial and imposing fern, throwing up stiff upright fronds in a shuttlecock
shape, greeny yellow when young, maturing to dark green, with the dark,
often reddish, brown midribs providing contrast. Light to full shade. 3
ft or more. 2 litre pot.
£2.95 |
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MATTEUCIA
STRUTHIOPTERIS |
The
name is a bit of a mouthful, so it's easier to call it the Shuttlecock or
Ostrich Fern. It grows into a magnificent specimen, like a huge shuttlecock,
with fronds sometimes reaching 5 feet. Best in light to full shade. 2 litre
pot.
£2.95 |
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POLYSTICHUM
MUNITUM |
The
American Sword Fern is perhaps the very best of the evergreen ferns, with
imposing arching fronds that taper to sword-like points. Will create a real
focal point in a prominent position. Best in light to full shade. 3 ft.
£2.50 |
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POLYSTICHUM
SETIFERUM Proliferum |
Ferns don’t half have long unpronounceable names! This is the soft shield fern: it is evergreen, with attractive finely dissected fronds, and the endearing habit of producing babies along the stems. Best in light to full shade. 18 in.
£2.50 |
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