Description of the plant shitnik
The fern is a genus of ferns, which has more than 150 different species. The height of these herbaceous perennial plants varies from 15 cm to 1,5 m.
Many species of this plant are used in landscape gardening and landscaping.
The shieldworm prefers shady places
General characteristics:
- strong, short rhizome, slightly rising above the ground;
- whole scales on the rhizome;
- long feathery leaves, collected in funnel-shaped bundles;
- rounded or oval sporangia located on the underside of the leaves.
The most common fern species is the male fern. It grows in a temperate climatic zone. The leaves of this fern look very decorative. In length, they can reach 1 m, although they grow rather slowly. Young, fragile leaves appear in the middle of the bunch, so they are protected from various damage.
Nowadays, there are several dozen species of the male shieldworm that are grown in gardens and parks.
Caring for a shrub as a garden plant
Plants of this species prefer moist and semi-shady places with loose and nutritious soil, protected from direct sunlight and strong gusts of wind. The ideal place for them is near large trees and bushes. Ferns grow slowly and peacefully coexist with other shade-loving plants. In order for the plant to always have the necessary moisture, it is advisable to mulch the soil near it – to cover it with needles or sawdust.
The fern is frost-resistant, does not require shelter for the winter
The plant is propagated by dividing the rhizomes in early spring. It is best to divide up mature, overgrown plants. To do this, you need to separate the lateral shoots so that each has a part of the rhizome and a growth point. Fern can reproduce by self-seeding under favorable conditions.
The advantage of ferns is that, with proper care, they practically do not get sick and do not suffer from pests. Sometimes the plant is precipitated by slugs, which spoil its appearance. You just need to collect them or place special traps. If the plant does get sick, you need to spray it with special preparations and pay attention to the conditions of its maintenance.
Ferns look beautiful in single and group plantings, near water bodies, on slopes and rocky flower beds, creating an atmosphere as close as possible to the natural conditions of the garden.