Ostrich ferns and Corydalis crowding out hosta views

10 years ago

Looking for my large old tookusdama (thanks Don!) Aurea nebulosa, I was shocked that a white corydalis had overpowered it and was causing it to shrink. That corydalis has been re-located!

Thought I would show how these wonderful groundcovers can over time take over your hosta beds - not that I mind, I just remove them when weeding ( they mercilessly self-seed!)

These Japanese painted ferns are racing the ostrich ferns to take over - there is a very large 3 ft by 3 ft hosta Blue Max hidden in those ostrich ferns, barely visible on the far upper left

Yes, ostrich ferns spread even up hillsides!

Other end of that pathway - the white blooming corydalis is spreading into the hosta

See the Blue Max trying to get out of the ferns, next to the Japanese umbrella pine tree!

Different lower terrace the ostrich ferns have taken over a whole hosta bed - need to thin them out and move them!

Ferns taken over the hillside, but these I like there for ground cover (steepness of hillside). See if you can find the Blue Max trying to escape ferns (middle left of ferns)

Corydalis - white and yellow blooms, spreads wherever - neat leaves as well

Corydalis pushing a very mature Sum & Substance!

This wall has self-seeded corydalis for the past 10 years. I cut off the dead leaves in the winter and new plants emerge in Spring!

So, beware when that nice groundcover takes off; it may not kill the roots but it will crowd out your hosta views!

Bruce

Featured Answer

Jon 6a SE MA

10 years ago

I know they must be a pain in the rear, but nothing spoils that view. Very nice.

Jon

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Comments (8)

MadPlanter1 zone 5
10 years ago
My mother in law gave us ostrich ferns many years ago. They have to be dug up and given a firm discouraging word every so often - but then so do the coneflowers, spiderwort, variegated Solomon's Seal and wild ginger. The corydalis hasn't been a problem, though.

Your garden is beautiful, even viewed on a tablet. I'll have to come back and see it on the big screen to appreciate the details.
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Mike
10 years ago
Awesome landscapes, Bruce. I love the natural look, even the areas that have that overgrown feel to them. It's exciting to find that hidden hosta just around the corner or only visible from the bend in the path. Thanks for the views of your gardens.
threedogsmom
10 years ago
I have found many instances in which another plant is shadowing/touching a hosta that it will actively grow to seemingly "get away" from the offending plant. This time of year I usually have to go around to all the hostas and cut back any other plants that are crowding the hostas so they leaf out on all sides, not just the front. Even with a potted hosta, if the back is up against another plant, I have to rotate the pot to allow light and room for it to spread out evenly all the way around.
newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
10 years ago
None the less, a beautiful garden. I think beautiful gardens are created by talented gardeners---like yourself.
almosthooked zone5
10 years ago
Lately there's been a lot of interest in corydalis root as a potential treatment for the Western disease known as fibromyalgia. In Chinese traditional medicine.. Not sure if this is true or another one of the miracle drugs but you may have a market for these. I always wory about planting ground cover because of this choking out my hosta and other plants. The ferns, shoots I do keep them cut out and either move and plant in another area or give away too but these do look good waving in the breeze. My uncle from the coast hated them in his blueberry farm. Still a lovely setting
HU-480170657
4 years ago
I have a fern looking plant growing inside my hostas is part of the hostas? its only in certsin ones its not on the ground around them
djacob Z6a SE WI
4 years ago
HU, you would be better off startine a new thread including photos and more specific info for your situation. Then double post, hostas and perennials. I don’t know if there is a ferns forum.

debra