Plant guide: Onoclea sensibilis
Botanical name:
Onoclea sensibilis
A slightly unusual fern, Onoclea sensibilis, also known as the sensitive fern, is a light green colour, with thick, lobed-leaves. It grows especially well in damp conditions, and can tolerate much higher light levels than many other ferns, making it a really useful, attractive fern for a sunnier spot.
Plant type:
Deciduous fern
Growing conditions:
This is a fern that really needs plenty of moisture to grow well, so is a great choice for next to a pond, in a boggy area of the garden, or in a rain garden. It prefers full shade or partial shade but, unusually for a fern, can also cope with full sunshine as long as the soil doesn’t dry out.
It’s relatively low-growing, reaching up to about 60cm tall, so does well in the front or middle of a border.
It’s a fern that spreads easily with rhizomes (underground stems that can produce new plants) so do take care if it is in its ideal conditions, as it can start to take over!
How to plant:
Usually available as a container grown plant from nurseries or garden centres, plant out Onoclea sensibilis in the early Autumn for best chances of establishing easily. See our guide to planting out container grown plants for more info. If planting at other times of year, especially the Summer months, take care to water well while it gets established.
Care:
Water well in any dry spells, as this is not a plant that likes to dry out.
Onoclea gets its name ‘the sensitive fern’ because it is very affected by frosts, so a late Spring frost might kill off all its fronds. It usually emerges in the UK only once the last frosts have passed, but if there is an especially late frost and it’s already growing, then wrap and cover to protect the new growth.
Favourite varieties:
We love an unusual form of the fern, known as ‘Copper-leaved,’ which has coppery-bronze markings around the edges of the leaves when they first emerge, that later turn bright green.
Grow with:
As it’s a moisture-loving plant, this grows well alongside other boggy dwellers, such as broad-leaved Rodgersia, or Primula japonica.
Like most ferns, it also looks great growing alongside other ferns. Pair it with those with more feathery fronds for an airy contrast, or ferns such as Asplenium scolopendrium, that have thicker leaves. For more of our favourite ferns take a look at our guide: ten favourite ferns.
How to propagate:
Most easily propagated by division in Spring time. Gently dig out and cut into two sections or more, depending on the size of the plant. For more info, see our guide on how to divide plants.
Onoclea can also be propagated by spore propagation, which is a much slower, but fun process! Find detailed instructions on our main fern guide.
