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Moss, Ferns & Cryptogams

Korean Rock Fern- what does it need?

christinmk z5b eastern WA

17 years ago

Hi guys! A few years ago I bought a Korean Rock Fern- Polystichum tsus-simense. I put it in my 'apple tree garden' where it was shaded by a nearby apple tree. It loved the area, and did very well there. Last year I had to take the tree down (disease), so it and other shady plants found themselves shade-less. I moved them to another shade garden in the front yard.

The fern doesn't seem as happy there. It seems to have some yellow-mottled foliage, though it looks as healthy as it ever did aside from that. I was wondering if perhaps it needs some soil-amendment? Does it like acidic soil or something?

Thanks!

CMK

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Comments (4)

houstonpat
17 years ago
They are fussy about getting established. However, once established they are fairly tough. They take typical care: medium shade, good drainage, good soil, average water.
christinmk z5b eastern WA
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you houstonpat! So it doesn't need any addition to the soil or anything? Why is the foliage yellow mottled?
CMK
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houstonpat
17 years ago
Like I said they are kinda fussy. You may try working a small amount of Ironite into the soil around it and watering it well, once with Magnesium sulfate enriched water.
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
17 years ago
I have been quite underwhelmed by my Korean Rock Fern.

It is sited beneath a coast redwood, with an apple tree about seven or
eight feet away. Plenty of sun protection, as well as moisture...this
fern just seems to have an ugly, untidy habit. I'm hoping that it looks
better next year.

Josh

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