Millais Nurseries
Ferns
We stock a small range of ferns. Perfect as understory companion planting for Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Ferns can add interesting foliage and texture to any planting scheme, they can be very versatile putting up with some of the more awkward gaps in the garden such as cooler, shadier, sheltered spots of East and North facing borders. Ferns do like to be kept moist but like Rhododendrons do not like to have their roots sat in water for long periods. If planted in a sunnier spot, we do recommend keeping them well watered in the summer months and a good mulch to help retain moisture. Most ferns are semi evergreen, but we do also stock one or two evergreen varieties.
Arachnoides aristata Variegata
East Indian holly fern(H3) An interesting evergreen fern, native to East India, with a green frond with a distinct lime green/yellow mid rift. Though classed as being hardy they may require some additional winter protection in colder areas with the help of a heavy mulch to protect the roots. Overwinter potted plants in an unheated greenhouse, or provide a deep, insulating much around their base to...
Asplenium scolopendrium AGM (Hart's Tongue Fern)
(H6) Asplenium scolopendrium. Other common name Hart's tongue fern.
This evergreen fern forms rosettes of rich green, pointed fronds, 30-75cm in length. In gardens, the plants are good for shaded wild areas, and are also invaluable for year round interest among shrubs or other shade and moisture loving perennials.
Grow Asplenium scolopendrium in moist, fertile, neutral or alkaline soils, full or...
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Red Beauty'
(H5) A decidious clump forming fern with green lacy fronds, that as they mature, develop a silvery grey colouring, and a contrasting burgundy-red flush to the midribs and stems. Requires full/partial shade in a East, West or North facing poistion. Moist well drained Neutral or Acid soil. 0.5m high and 1m wide in 10 years
Dryopteris affinis AGM
(H5) Dryopteris affinis AGM. Other common names: Scaly Male Fern, Golden Shield Fern.
A robust and magnificent semi-evergreen fern forming a rosette of erect, bipinnatifid fronds to 1.2m in length, bright yellow-green when young, later rich green, with dense, persistent golden scales on the stems.
In mild winters it will stay green, but in cold, exposed positions it's more likely to be deciduous.
Despite...
Dryopteris affnis 'Cristata The King'
(H5) Dryopteris affnis 'Cristata The King'. Other Common names: King Of Male Ferns, King Of The Ferns, King Of British Ferns
'Cristata The King' is one of the largest and most accommodating crested ferns it is possible to grow. A robust, nearly evergreen fern to 1.2m tall. The young fronds unfurl a golden green with rosettes of erect to arching bipinnate fronds, handsomely crested at the tips of...
Dryopteris affnis 'Pinderi'
(H5) A large, upright, clump forming semi-evergreen fern. Narrow, lance-shaped fronds, which can grow to 80 cm long, with golden scales along the midrib. Yellow-green foliage when young, turning deep green with age. In mild winters it will stay green, but in cold, exposed positions it's more likely to be deciduous. Prefers partial or full shade in moist but well-drained soil. 100cm high x 100cm wide...
Dryopteris atrata cycadina AGM
(H4) Dryopteris atrata cycadina AGM. Other Common Name The Shaggy Shield Fern
A semi-evergreen, rosette-forming fern of neat appearance, the spreading fronds, borne on scaly stalks, simply pinnate with pinnae evenly toothed or lobed.
The 'Shaggy Shield Fern' originates from Nepal and India, and will add an oriental feel to any garden.
The fronds have long midribs that resemble elephants trunks...
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' AGM
(H5) Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ AGM. Other common name: Japanese Shield Fern 'Brilliance'
An evergreen clump forming fern with bronze-coloured new fronds in spring, maturing to dark green and particularly bright orange-red ripe spores on the undersides of the leaves in autumn
Triangular-shaped fronds, which are coppery-red when young and slowly mature to dark green.
Easy to...
Dryopteris wallichiana AGM
(H5) Dryopteris wallichiana AGM. Other common name: Alpine Wood Fern
A deciduous or semi-evergreen, tuft forming fern. Bright yellowish-green when young, clothed with blackish-brown scales on the stalk and midrib.
A tough, hardy fern that is native to the Himalayas.
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well
Dryoptheris erythrosora ‘Prolifica’
(H4) Dryoptheris erythrosora ‘Prolifica’. Other common name: Prolific Copper Shield Fern
An evergreen bushy fern forming a neat tuft of light green, rathery leathery, bipinnate fronds,, often pink-tinged when young, slowly turning green.
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly...
Matteucia struthiopteris AGM
(H5) Matteucia struthiopteris AGM: Other common names: Shuttlecock Fern, Ostrich Fern
A deciduous, suckering fern forming colonies of erect rosettes to 1.5m in height, with lance-shaped, bright green, bipinnatifid sterile fronds surround shorter, brownish fertile fronds.
A particularly attractive fern, it is an excellent foliage plant for moist, dappled shade and works particularly well when planted...
Polystichum polyblepharum AGM
Also known as Japanese lace fern or Tassel fern.
(H7) An evergreen fern of bushy habit forming a shuttlecock of spreading, glossy dark green, bipinnate fronds. Young fronds are yellowish-green, more erect and covered with hair-like golden scales. Requires a sheltered position in full or partial shade. East or North facing and well-drained, acid, alkaline or neutral soil. 1m high & 0.5m wide in...
Polystichum setiferum AGM
soft shield fern
(H7) A tufted, evergreen fern to 1.2m in height, with rosettes of soft textured, lance-shaped mid-green fronds, the stalks with prominent orange-brown scales. Requires moist but well-drained soil. Easy to grow in most cool, fertile, moist, humus-rich, shaded soils. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet.