Onoclea sensibilis

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Sensitive fernPerennial, DeciduousFamily: Onocleaceae

Height: 60cmSpread: 90cm
Hardy

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade

Aspect:

East facing, north facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Front, middle

Shade Type:

Damp

Soil

Acidic / Boggy / Clay / Heavy / Moist

The sensitive fern, Onoclea sensibilis, is so-called because, despite being hardy, its fronds are sensitive to being hit by late frosts. However, in the UK the foliage usually emerges late in spring, when the risk of frost has mostly passed.

Onoclea sensibilis is a deciduous fern, thriving in soil that remains constantly moist and producing lush, apple-green fronds. It looks fantastic planted next to ponds or streams alongside other moisture-loving plants like candelabra primulas and rodgersias.

For best results, grow Onoclea sensibilis in full shade, partial shade or dappled shade in moist soil. It can also be grown in full sun, but only if the soil remains moist. It spreads by rhizomes, and can do so a little too successfully if grown in favourable conditions. The spore-bearing fronds can be left on to provide winter interest. The other dead fronds can be cut back in winter, though some people choose to leave them on until spring to provide some winter protection. Onoclea sensibilis has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyesyesyesPlantyesyesyesyesyes**yesDivideyes**yesCut Backyes**yes

Onoclea ‘sensibilis’ and wildlife

Onoclea ‘sensibilis’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Onoclea ‘sensibilis’ poisonous?

Onoclea ‘sensibilis’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People