Many hardy ferns will thrive in the shady areas of your landscape. The different species range in size from less than a foot to as tall as 3 feet.

One of the great advantages of ferns is that they are so easy to grow. Not prone to any major insect or disease problems, they are one of those plants you can just about plant and ignore. Ferns will grow best in areas that receive one to four hours of direct morning sun or dappled light during the day. Definitely avoid hot, dry areas that receive several hours of direct sun in the afternoon, or areas that receive sun all day. If you want a fern-like plant for sunnier areas, you could plant yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus Sprengeri, not a true fern).

Ferns do require adequate moisture, and may need irrigation during hot, dry summer weather. Incorporate generous amounts of organic matter during bed preparation and keep the ferns well mulched, and this will help reduce the amount of watering required.

Some excellent ferns for use in the landscape include maidenhair fern ( Adiantum capillus-vernis), holly fern (Cyrtominum falcatum), leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis), sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora, known for its coppery red new fronds), lady fern (Athyrium filixfemina), wood fern (Thelypteris kunthii), lace fern (Microlepia strigosa) and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis).

Caladiums

Caladiums make outstanding additions to shady summer gardens. Easy enough for the casual gardener to expect routine success, the caladium's elegant beauty also makes it a staple in the most accomplished gardener's landscape. Native to tropical South America, caladiums thrive in the heat and humidity of our long summers. They are remarkably free from major insect or disease problems.

Caladiums grow best in shade to part shade (two to four hours of direct sun, preferably morning). In these conditions, they produce the lushest growth with large, colorful leaves. Some cultivars are more tolerant of sunny conditions and are successful in beds receiving part to full sun. According to trials at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, the cultivars that did best were Carolyn Whorton, Pink Beauty, White Wings, June Bride, Florida Cardinal and White Queen. Red Frills did not make the cut in this study, but it has been used successfully in sunny landscape plantings. Avoid hot, dry, sunny locations for best results.

You can buy caladium tubers and plant them directly into well-prepared beds in April or May. Purchasing tubers is the most economical way to add caladiums to your landscape. Plant the tubers about 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart. You should see growing points or even pinkish-white sprouts on the knobby side of the tuber. That side is planted up. The smoother side is the bottom of the tuber. Wait until unsprouted tubers have emerged and grown several inches tall before mulching them.

Caladiums are also available at local nurseries growing in 4- to 6-inch pots, and they will provide immediate color. Caladiums growing in pots should be planted with the top of the root ball level with the soil of the bed. Once they are planted, mulch the bed with 2 inches of your favorite mulch and water in. Keep beds of caladiums well watered during the summer, especially those receiving lots of sun.

For more information, contact Chris Robichaux, county agent, St. Martin Parish, at (337) 332-2181.

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