The most unpretentious fern is the female Kochedyzhnik and its other subspecies. Kochedyzhnik female - an unpretentious fern for the garden Kochedyzhnik cultivation and care in open ground

A genus of ferns belonging to the shield family. It includes about 200 species; only 10 are used in gardening.

These relict plants are distinguished by their delicate openwork, finely dissected greenery, collected in a spreading bunch up to 1-1.5 meters high.

It grows directly from a short thick rhizome covered with brown membranous hairs.

Sporangia of the nomadic plant are hidden behind a fringed covering on the underside of leaf fronds. The plant often self-sows, but grows slowly.

Garden forms

The most common species found in Russian gardens is female kochedyzhnik (photo 1). It received this name for its beautiful, light, lace-like greenery. New fronds appear all summer, so the plant does not lose its decorative appearance all season long with proper care and has a distinct tropical appearance.

It got its name in contrast to the male shield, whose “clothing” is coarser, and the fronds grow only in the spring. In nature, these two ferns often coexist.

Chinese kochedednik is distinguished by reddish petioles elliptical shape, distributed in nature in the Far East, China, and Japan.

Nippon kochedyzhnik (photo 2) is characterized by red-brown stains on the fronds with a metallic sheen. They look impressive against the background of greenery of other plants, including green ferns.

Growing and care

In nature, these perennials grow in moist, shaded forest areas. They need fertile land, regular watering and shaded areas of the garden protected from the wind. During periods of drought, the leaves of the kochedednik plant turn brown, it loses its decorative appearance, but does not die, therefore it is considered drought-resistant. Can grow in one place for up to 10 years. They need regular weeding, they absolutely cannot tolerate sodding of the soil, so aggressive ground covers (, etc.) cannot be planted next to them.

Feed should be both organic and mineral fertilizers during the growing season. The fronds are shed for the winter, but do not die and do not even require shelter.

They reproduce by dividing the bush in the spring or by spores, which ripen by mid-summer, spill onto the soil surface and often lead to new shoots, i.e. self-seeding is characteristic of the nomadic plant.

Use in landscape design

All ferns give the garden some special chic and splendor. They are planted in shady corners, near grottoes and fountains, under coniferous trees. Nomads can be placed in a group among other species that contrast with them in color or frond shape. The result will be a kind of fern garden, which is perceived as a piece wildlife among other landings, it will also take shady places, where few plants are able to maintain a magnificent appearance.

Which loves darkened and wet places, can become a real pearl of a flower garden, favorably shading its most unattractive corners. Surely you met him while walking in the forest. Simple and at the same time lace-like branches involuntarily attract attention. I immediately remember pictures of prehistoric times, when the climate was humid and warm, and ferns and horsetails dominated the planet. Today, the climate has allowed only the smallest of them to survive, but still beautiful.

Instead of an introduction

The ability to tolerate partial shade has attracted the attention of design masters and gardeners. At the same time, there are about 200 species of ferns in the world, and only ten of them are suitable for growing in gardens and parks. This number also includes the female nomad, the most amazing representative flora. What does botany tell us about this plant? This modest one belongs to the Shchitovnikov family. Why are we interested in the female nomad?

Features of the view

This species relatively recently settled in middle lane Russia. The female kochedyzhnik appears above the soil surface in spring. These green shoots are called fronds. Delicate, curved, they eventually turn into very beautiful leaves, thin and delicate. The female Kochedyzhnik grows to a height of about 1 meter. He prefers garden or forest soil. It tolerates partial shade well. This is a perennial that can grow in one place for decades in a row.

origin of name

The female nomadic fern still bears its ancient Roman name. It has a ritual meaning and at the same time indicates comparison, since it is found in forests and At the same time, it differs less luxurious view. Its strong, erect and less finely feathered leaves do not seem so lacy and delicate, although they are also quite beautiful. Moreover, they belong to different kinds and are nothing more than distant relatives.

A little more about the view

Today, the female kochedyzhnik (the photo fully confirms this) is one of the most beautiful forest plants. It has a creeping rhizome covered with scales. The roots are very characteristic of representatives of this family. They are thick, black and dense.

The leaves are what sets the female fern apart from all the others. Tall, lacy and weightless, they, like a green cobweb, delight the eye. Sterile leaves are almost indistinguishable from fertile ones, and from the moment the plant ripens, they are all spore-bearing. There are many beliefs about the flowering of this amazing plant. However, we hasten to disappoint you. It doesn't bloom. But the leaves are very elegant and decorative, which is why gardeners love the plant. Moreover, they perform a number of functions.

Life cycle

Fully formed leaves live for one season. At the same time, they both perform a vegetative function and ensure reproduction. And at the first frost the leaves die. However, it doesn't end there life cycle such an amazing plant as female nomad. The fern, a photo of which we will present in the article, in August-September dissipates ripe pores, from which the gametophyte grows in the same autumn. This is the haploid, multicellular phase in the plant development cycle.

The gametophyte develops from spores and produces sex cells. Outwardly, it is completely different from the future plant. However, this small creeping plant can survive any conditions and turn into a beautiful fern in the spring. This is how female nomad grass reproduces. Pollen and pistil are contained in one spore, which matures and transforms into the rudiment of a new plant. That, in turn, undergoing stratification and hardening over the winter, grows in the new warm season and becomes a lush bush.

Varieties

What kind of a female nomad can be? The description would be incomplete if it were not to say that in nature this plant is very variable. Species may vary in leaf shape, size and density. More recently, about twenty varieties could be counted. This material then served as the basis for hybridization. If we count the hybrids today, including hybrids and varieties of female ferns that have been found in nature or in culture, we get about 300 varieties. Today we won’t talk about everything, but we will try to mention the most popular, beautiful and easy to care for.

Kochedyzhnik female "lady in red"

This is one of the highest representatives of the class. Its rhizomes are dense, black, and with them there are straight, ascending or creeping, membranous. They perform different functions. On the one hand - to stay in the ground. And the second function is to collect moisture and nutrients from the surface of stones, earth and tree bark. This is why ferns can survive in almost any conditions.

But let's return to our plant. The leaves are collected in a bunch, they are double and triple pinnate, with dissected pinnae. This creates a very attractive image, delicate and airy. This variety is a forest variety, so the plant prefers light, nutritious soil. The ideal option would be forest humus mixed with soil. It avoids swampy places, although it loves light partial shade and normal soil moisture. It also tolerates damp lowlands, so if you have places on your site that have been empty for a long time precisely for this reason, occupy them with ferns.

But dry places are destructive for it. In this case, you will quickly see how the plant loses its decorative effect. The leaves will turn brown, begin to fall, and growth will slow down. Most often the peak occurs in mid-summer. The easiest way to propagate bushes is by division, since growing from spores in a pot is quite time-consuming and difficult. This variety is planted in shady places, and you can stop at planting individual bushes or make a multi-tiered mound and plant a bush on each step. And under the fern canopy you can plant snowdrops, scillas and other forest flowers.

Magnificent small fern

Women's Kochedyzhnik "Victoria" is another magnificent representative of its class. The maximum height is up to 100 cm, so it can be used to decorate tight, small corners of the garden. The leaves are large, tender, light green. And the petioles of this species are yellowish or reddish. The leaf blade is twice or thrice pinnately divided. The fronds are non-wintering, but the roots will calmly endure the cold period and by the beginning of next summer they will produce new leaves.

This is the most unpretentious fern for shady gardens and normally moist soils. It will not grow in sandy areas. "Victoria" is a low variety with narrow leaves. Their narrow feathers are directed alternately up and down, due to which regular chains are formed on both sides of the leaf axis. This great option for shady flower beds, which can be supplemented with hosts and cereals.

Landing

Let's talk a little more in detail about what kind of land is needed for a female nomad. First of all, you need to acquire parts of the bush. If there is a forest area nearby, you can find mature plant and, dividing the root into several parts, plant it in your garden. Or you can buy seedlings at a gardening store. Now you need to prepare the landing hole. To do this, dig up the ground and add humus (preferably leaf) and wood ash. If the soil is heavy, you can add a little river sand. The mixture is thoroughly mixed.

The depth and diameter of the planting hole depends on the size of the seedling. After planting, be sure to water the plant generously and mulch the soil. In the first year, the plant is watered and weeded as necessary, and the soil is loosened. But from the second year of life, the need for watering practically disappears; only in case of severe drought is it worth pampering the plant with a shower. Weeds in the shade, and even under luxurious leaves ferns practically do not grow. However, the gardener needs to know that back side leaves spores ripen and self-seeding occurs. Therefore, do not confuse the delicate curls of the nomadic frond with weeds. They can be planted in other corners of the garden or sold to a pet store.

Plant care

It is minimal; in fact, in the second year after planting you will not have to do practically anything. Ferns do not need fertilizing; garden and forest soils fully satisfy their needs. Despite visible plant tolerates even the most severe frosts. To do this, yellowed leaves are cut off before the onset of winter, and the soil is mulched to about 15 cm. But if frosts are very severe in your region, it is recommended to add a layer of foliage.

By planting a fern on a plot, the gardener receives a noticeable bonus. He will not have to deal with diseases and pests, since this plant simply does not have them. This gives a significant advantage over other plants that require constant supervision.

Practical use

Today the fern has only one practical significance- This landscape design. But in this he has practically no equal. Try to find another plant that does not require sun and watering, weeding and regular pest control. In addition, it will grow in one place long years, which means that these corners of the garden can remain pristine for a long time, delighting you with their appearance every year.

There is evidence that it is used as medicinal plant. However, officially a nomad is not considered such a person. Most often, rhizomes are used, a decoction of which has an anthelmintic effect. It is also used for stomach disorders, and alcohol tincture against uterine bleeding. Water infusion leaves are used as an expectorant.

We will not recommend using kochedednik for medicinal purposes, but it is perfectly suitable as the main decoration and highlight of your garden. And if you have a shaded front garden, then this plant will become ideal option to decorate it.

Nomadic fern (Athyrium)

Family: Aspleniaceae

Brief information about the garden plant

Athyrium, Kochedyzhnik. Large forest ferns with thin leaves that are twice or thrice pinnate. The rhizome is thick, ascending, short. Widely distributed throughout temperate zone Northern Hemisphere.

Types and varieties of nomadic fern

The genus includes about 200 species of ferns, growing in temperate forests of both hemispheres and in the highlands of tropical zones. About 10 species are used in decorative gardening, mainly for creating mixborders and other compositions from herbaceous perennials in shady areas.

About 10 species are used in ornamental gardening, of which the most popular female nomad (Athyrium filix-femina), common plant forests Central Russia; Chinese nomad or reddish (Athyrium sinense, Athyrium rubripes), fern from forests Far East, characterized by the red color of the petioles; And Nippon nomad (Athyrium niponicum) with openwork large reddish leaves.

Chinese nomadic moth, or red-petioled nomadic moth (Athyrium rubripes, Athyrium sinense)

fern from deciduous forests Far East. Perfectly acclimatized to European Russia. Forms a compact bush 60-100 cm high, distinguished by dark reddish petioles, giving the plant original look. The leaves die off when autumn arrives.

Propagated by dividing the bush and self-sowing.

Female stumpweed (Athyrium filix-femma)

The species got its name for its delicate, lacy, finely dissected foliage, contrasting with the rough leaf of the male fern ( Dryopteries filix-mas).

The female kochedyzhnik is confined to damp, shady areas of forests and bushes. It is often found in the forests of central Russia.

Perennial up to 100 cm tall. The rhizome is short, thick, densely covered with brown filmy scales. The leaves (fronds) are large, light green, finely dissected, very elegant, collected in a rosette. Their growth continues throughout the summer. This provides fresh look fern, in contrast to the male fern, whose leaves appear and grow only in the spring.

Tall (up to 100 cm) openwork bush of female fern - best decoration your flower garden. This is a true perennial (the bush grows in one place for up to 10 years, often self-seeding. It is not picky about soil, it is cold-resistant. The bush can be divided.

Popular varieties of female nomad:

"Acrocladon"—with multiply branched, curly leaves;

"Frizellae" - linear leaves with short leaflets, jagged along the edge, located along the axis.

Nippon grasshopper (Athyrium niponicum)

Openwork large reddish gracefully diamond-shaped pinnate leaves (fronds) 60-100 cm high form a compact bush. The fronds are highly decorative due to their metallic shine and red-purple streaks. The above-ground part dies off with the onset of autumn. Prefers shady, damp places with loose and nutritious soils. With sufficient moisture it can grow on open places, where it acquires a brighter color.

Plantings of Nippon kochedednik are unusually beautiful not only in summer, but also in spring, when “curls”—the buds of leaves—raise above the soil. They have a brownish-purple hue and contrast effectively with the young light green foliage of other plants.

Caring for the nomad

Unpretentious, stable and very beautiful plant for landscaping shady areas. It is relatively drought-resistant, tolerates a lack of moisture better than other ferns, although in dry conditions it loses its decorative effect. Prefers garden soils that are fairly fertile and well-provided with moisture. With the exception of watering during dry periods, it requires virtually no maintenance and is not affected by pests and diseases. Kochedyzhniki are very unpretentious and resistant plants in cultivation. Does not require fertilization. They grow in one place for a long time without transplanting or dividing (up to 15 years). They form abundant self-seeding.

Reproduction of the nomad

Propagated by dividing the bush, preferably in spring.

When planning landscape design, every gardener thinks through everything down to the smallest detail in the arrangement of certain ornamental plants, taking into account the peculiarities of growing each crop. A slight problem is caused by shaded areas, where it is difficult to grow bright flowering crops, but ferns will feel great in the shade and in the northern half of the garden. These perennials You can easily grow them under the shade of trees or in the shade of buildings, without worrying at all about their health and appearance.

The nomadic fern variety is also a frequent visitor to gardens, striking with its rather unusual leaf colors and a wide variety of subspecies and varieties. Kochedyzhnik, cultivation and care in open ground which is not difficult to obtain, will be an excellent addition to any garden composition.

In order to properly place the nomadic plant on your site and grow it, in this article we will consider the features and description of this crop, and give characteristics of the most popular varieties nomad. We also note important points and rules for planting and caring for this type of fern.

Features and morphological description of the nomad

Nomadic fern last years quite often used for growing in the garden, for which you can choose a couple of dozen popular varieties of this subspecies of fern. It is perfect for planting as a background to flowering plants or as a solo ornamental plant in a little shade. Kochedyzhnik adapts well to unfavorable conditions, so it will be a valuable discovery for many gardeners.

The nomadic fern is a perennial herbaceous plant, which belongs to the Aspleniaceae family and the Shchitovnikov genus, although more recently the nomadic fern belonged to the Kochedyzhnikov genus. The nomadic fern is considered the oldest representative of its family and is found almost all over the world. The natural habitat of this type of fern is considered to be shady and damp areas, forests and coastal zones bodies of water, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. Various varieties of nomadic fern grow in areas with temperate climate, less common in the highlands of the tropics. This ornamental plant can be found in Europe, Asia, Russia, and America. In different regions of Russia you can find about 10-15 different varieties kochedzhynik, which are often used by gardeners.

There are many legends and ancient tales associated with the nomadic fern, which also tell about magical power this plant, and healing properties its different parts. Many gardeners and lovers of unusual ornamental plants are puzzled by the specific name of this variety of fern. But there is nothing strange here. The word “kochedyzhnik” is directly related to external characteristics fern. If you tear off a leaf of the nomadic fern at the beginning of autumn, you will see a kind of point in the place where the leaf is attached to the base. This tip looks like a curved and crooked arrow. It is this shape that resembles a very ancient tool that peasants used to weave bast shoes. And this instrument was called kochedyk. Hence the name of the fern variety.

Everyone knows the legend about if you see on the night of Ivan Kupala blooming fern nomad, you will be happy and rich all your life. In addition to this legend, we can mention another one, which is used in Vologda region: if you sit near the nomadic fern this night, you can see your future.

Description of the nomad:

• Kochedednik is a perennial, non-wintering fern that can be represented by both low-growing and tall plants.
• The nomadic plant has a rather thick and fleshy root, which is located in the upper layers of the soil. The rhizome is quite short, can be straight or creeping, black in color, with small dark hairs. The rhizome of this type of fern, especially the female fern, is used in folk medicine.
• The stem of the fern is quite short, dense, vertical, densely covered with petioles and leaf fronds.
• The leaves of the nocturnal fern have a lanceolate, triangular, pinnate or dissected shape. Most varieties have leaves that are three times pinnately dissected. The leaves of ferns are usually called fronds.
• The leaves are attached to the stem using short petioles covered with a film.
• The leaves of the fronds are quite large, they can reach 30-40 cm in length, and when grown indoors, the leaves can reach a length of 50 cm. They are collected in peculiar bunches. WITH outside The leaf blades are covered with sori, in which sporangia of the nocturnal fern ripen.
• The total height of this type of fern can vary, depending on the specific variety: on average from 20 cm to 150-200 cm.
• Frond leaves are the main decorative decoration this fern. Depending on the specific variety, their color may vary. There are dark green leaves, feathery leaves, reddish leaves, bluish and grayish.
• Leaves begin to grow from the beginning of spring and continue to appear until autumn, which makes the nomadic fern bush very decorative and spectacular.
• This plant adapts perfectly to unfavorable conditions, can tolerate heavy gas pollution, and is resistant to frost and high humidity.
• The nomadic fern does not bloom and, therefore, does not form seeds, as it reproduces by self-sowing using spores.
• Kochedyzhnik is considered a fairly long-lived plant, which can remain in one place for about 10-15 years without replanting.
• The nomadic fern fits perfectly into landscape design in natural style. It pairs perfectly with spring flowers under the tree canopy.

Types and varieties of nomadic grass

The entire genus of Kochedyzhnik ferns includes a large number of different varieties, which differ in completely different external characteristics and cultivation characteristics. In total, there are approximately 200 varieties of nomadic fern in the world, but only 10 are used in cultivation in Russia. More tropical varieties of this plant species can be grown at home.

Let's consider the characteristics of the most popular types and varieties of nomad grass among gardeners:

• Female Kochedyzhnik. This is one of the most common types of nomad grass, which can be found both in nature and in culture. This fern got its name for its beautiful lacy foliage, which is significantly different from the foliage of the male shield fern. In nature, the female nomad grows in the territory North America, as well as in central Europe. After germination, frond leaves quickly grow and can reach a length of about 100 cm, and the total height of a fern of this species can reach 120-130 cm. The leaves have an oblong lanceolate shape, three or twice pinnately dissected, light green, collected in dense rosette. The rhizome of the female nomadic fern is quite often used in folk medicine.

• Nippon Kochedyzhnik. One more is enough popular look. The Nippon nomadic fern is widespread in Japan, China, Vietnam, and Korea. That is why in the USA this beautiful ornamental plant is often called Japanese painted fern. Considered the most decorative look nomadic fern due to its bright and spectacular fronds: they have a silvery tint with reddish-purple streaks. This plant prefers to grow in the shade on moist soils. Nippon kochedynik is winter-hardy, so it feels great in the climatic conditions of Russia.

• Kochedychnik crenate. A perennial fern that prefers to grow in river valleys, on the banks of reservoirs, in damp and swampy forests. It is considered enough low growing plant, can grow only 50 cm in height. It is distinguished by a long creeping rhizome and a short stem on which the fronds are located singly or in a group of 2-3 pieces. The leaf blade has an oblong ovoid shape, pinnately dissected, and a light green hue.
• Crenate-serrated kochedyk. The natural habitat of this type of fern is considered to be the territory of the Far East and Primorye, where it grows in damp forests and along the banks of rivers and lakes. The frond leaves reach approximately 60-70 cm in length, due to which the width sheet plate often exceeds its length. The leaves are very delicate and beautiful. The variety is winter hardy.
• Needle-shaped kochedednik. The natural habitat of this species of nomad is considered to be the territory of the Far East. Ferns form rather dense and dense thickets in forests, which prefer shade and high humidity. The fern reaches a height of approximately 30-40 cm. The leaf blades of the fronds are diamond-shaped, openwork, pinnately divided, and arranged vertically. In this species, the petiole is longer than the leaf blade itself.
• Chinese nomad or red-petiolate. This type of fern is widespread in the Far East and Primorye. Forms dense and dense thickets, reproduces well by self-sowing. The leaves form a rosette. The fronds have a reddish tint, they themselves are openwork and quite large, attached to the stem with the help of short dark red petioles.

Popular varieties of nomad:

• Nomad variety "Piktum". A very bright and spectacular variety of kochedyzhnik, which is distinguished by its particularly decorative foliage. The leaf blade has a general bluish-green tint, which is diluted along the veins with a gray or pinkish color. The color is much brighter in the sun. For commercial purposes, this variety of nomadic plant is often called Metallicum.

• Nomad variety "Ursulas Red". Also very beautiful variety kochedyzhnik, which will become a real decoration of the site. It got its name in honor of the scientist-breeder who bred it - Ursula Herz. This variety can be called Kochededzhnik red, since the central part of the fronds has a bright reddish tint, while the edges of the leaf blade are painted in a light green tone. Over time, the edges become silver and the center is a rich reddish-purple-green hue.
• Burgundy Lace variety. A fairly large and spectacular variety that amazes with the contrast of shades in its foliage. At the very beginning of the growing season, young leaves are completely painted in a reddish-wine color, gradually the color begins to change at the edges, becoming bluish or silver. At the end, only the central part becomes reddish.
• Nomad variety Okanum. The height of the bush of this fern can reach approximately 30-60 cm. The frond leaves have a greenish-reddish tint. When blooming, young fronds have a bright burgundy color, gradually turning yellow with burgundy petioles.

Reproduction of the nomad: the most common methods

The nomadic fern is considered quite unpretentious plant, which does not require any additional effort to grow on your own plot. Dissolve it unusual plant You can do it yourself on your own site. For many propagation methods, it is important to have an adult plant in the garden, which provides planting material for propagation. Nomadic fern can be propagated in several ways: by spores and division of rhizomes. Let's consider the features of using these two options for growing an ornamental plant with your own hands.

Reproduction of the nomad by spores

• On the leaves-fronds of the nomadic fern, spores ripen on the outside, which can disperse independently, which promotes natural reproduction. This type of propagation is used mainly for species-specific nomads, much less often for varietal ones. This is due to the fact that the resulting plant may not inherit the maternal varietal characteristics.
• Spores can be sown both in spring and at any other time of the year.
• Initially, it is necessary to collect mature nomadic spores. To do this, take a fern frond and carefully scrape off the spores from the back side.
• Next, all spores must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate, after which they are dried.
• It is necessary to prepare suitable containers for sowing spores. In this case, small glasses are suitable.
• The containers are filled with fertile soil; a mixture of peat and sand is ideal. The pre-prepared substrate must be shed with boiled water or the soil must be calcined in the oven. You can spill the substrate with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
• Next, soil is poured into the container, on the surface of which the spores of the nomadic plant are laid out. There is no need to sprinkle them with soil; just cover the pots or containers with film or glass.
• It is important to place containers with spores in a room with the required temperature - a temperature of 23-25 ​​degrees is suitable for the germination of nomadic grass.
• There is no need to water the spores at first. Only when the diameter of one spore is approximately 5 cm can you water warm water once a week.
• If the spores are located very close, you can make a pick.
• When the first leaves appear, you need to water a little more often. When the leaves reach approximately 7-8 cm in length, the cover from the containers begins to be temporarily removed for ventilation, doing this procedure more and more often.
• The next season, around May, nocturnal fern seedlings can be planted in open ground.

Reproduction of the nomad by division

• This method is used much more often and is more simple and easy than the previous one. Vegetative propagation Kochededzhnik is used to produce young plants of varietal ferns. Thus, they will not lose the maternal decorative characteristics, for example, the reddish tint of the leaves.
• It is recommended to propagate the plant by dividing the rhizome in the spring, but if this option is not possible, you can divide the plant at any other time. However, in this case there is a risk that the young plants will not have time to take root before the onset of cold weather.
• First of all, you need to carefully dig up an adult plant and lightly shake off the roots.
• Next, take a sharp pruner or knife and carefully divide the rhizome into several parts so that each section has its own bud.
• If the roots of a particular variety are short, you can use nodes with buds.
• After this, the prepared cuttings are planted in pre-prepared holes, the depth of which should be at least 20 cm.
• The soil needs to be mulched and covered with spruce branches for the winter, as young plants can freeze out.

Preparation before planting the nomad

As already noted, the nomadic fern is very popular among gardeners due to its unpretentiousness in cultivation and care, as well as its great decorative value. Even novice gardeners can grow nomadic grass, but for excellent result it is important to prepare thoroughly before planting, having done high-quality work in preparing the place for planting seedlings and in acquiring healthy planting material.

Stage 1. Selection and purchase of nomad seedlings

• First of all, it is necessary to obtain high-quality planting material. You can grow it yourself, as described in the previous chapter. In another case, you can buy kochedizhnik in specialized garden stores.
• IN garden centers and agricultural firms, you can purchase already collected spores of the nomadic fern in bags or ready-made seedlings in pots.
• Before purchasing seedlings, you definitely need to think about what variety of nomadic grass you want to grow on your site. Varieties with reddish, purple and bluish leaves look impressive, which can also be combined to create bright garden compositions. For open ground, you should not buy tropical varieties of nomadic grass, which are also on sale. More heat-loving varieties can only be grown indoors.
• Before purchasing planting material, be sure to check the seedlings for damage: there should be no yellow areas on the stems and leaves, the soil in the containers should be clean and moist.
• When purchasing seedlings from agricultural companies, you can get competent and professional advice on the rules for growing plants.
• If nomadic plants grow in forests in your area, then you can get a young seedling by digging up and dividing an adult plant. In this case, be sure to grab some of the soil in which the fern grew.

Stage 2. Choosing a place to plant the nomad

• The nomadic fern prefers to grow in the shade; some varieties can tolerate temporary Sun rays. Constant sun has a detrimental effect on the plant, as a result of which the plant may stop growing and lose its decorative effect.
• For getting bright color foliage, ferns can be planted in the shade of trees or small shrubs, as well as on the north side of buildings.
• It is worth choosing a quiet place on your site, as strong winds and drafts can break the fragile leaves of the kochedednik.
• The chosen location for planting this type of fern should be well drained.
• Before planting a nomad, think about garden composition, since seedlings can be planted on the banks of reservoirs, at the roots of trees, near stones, in the wildest places of the site.

Stage 3. Selection and preparation of soil for nomad grass

• The nomadic fern prefers to grow on fertile and loose soils.
• A prerequisite for planting a nomadic plant is that the soil must be breathable and moisture-permeable.
• The soil must absorb moisture well so that the roots are well nourished. However, the water should not stagnate.
• The soil can be prepared immediately before planting by carefully digging it and loosening it.

Nomad planting technology

• It is best to plant the nomadic plant in the spring, so that young plant managed to take root before the onset of winter.
• First of all, you need to prepare planting holes, the depth of which should be approximately 20-30 cm. Keep in mind that if you are planting several seedlings side by side, it is important to maintain a minimum distance of 60 cm between the holes.
• Place a layer of river sand at the bottom of each planting hole, which will act as drainage and prevent water from stagnating.
• Next, prepare the soil, which consists of sand and peat. You can add humus and wood ash.
• If you are using a seedling from the forest, add some soil from the forest to the soil.
• Place the seedlings in the planting holes and cover them with prepared soil. Next, gently press the soil down.
• After planting, the young nomad needs to be watered abundantly.
• To prevent excessive evaporation of moisture, the soil around the fern is mulched with peat or humus.

Agricultural technology for growing nomad grass: secrets and nuances of care

Growing nomad grass on your own plot will not be big problems and will not require incredible efforts from the gardener, since this type of fern is unpretentious and undemanding. Caring for this plant is simple and straightforward and consists of timely watering, loosening and weeding, fertilizing and covering for winter.

• Watering. The nomadic fern is a moisture-loving plant, for a full-fledged plant it is important to observe frequent watering. It is necessary to water the kochedyzhnik especially abundantly in the first year after planting and during hot weather. At the same time, you need to water not only root system fern, but also spray the fronds. Approximate watering regime: 1-2 times a week, during dry periods - you can water 3 times a week.
• Loosening and mulching. After each watering it is important to loosen upper layer soil, but this must be done carefully, since the roots are located very close to the surface. To prevent moisture from the roots from evaporating too quickly, it is recommended to mulch the surface with pine paws or needles.
• Feeding. If you used humus and peat when planting, then there is no need to additionally fertilize the plantings in the coming years. Then you can use liquid fertilizers to achieve the greatest decorative effect of the nomadic fern.
• Trimming. The nomadic plant does not need pruning. Sometimes you can carefully remove yellowed fronds. Damaged or broken fronds may also need pruning.
• Shelter for the winter. Kochedyzhnik is considered a frost-resistant plant, so there is no need to provide additional shelter. The exception is young plants immediately after planting. In this case, you can cover the plantings with fallen leaves.

Kochedyzhnik - photo

On the Internet you can find a large number of reviews about Kochededzhnik, which describe all the beauty appearance this fern and ease of cultivation. Planting such a plant in the garden will not be difficult, but in the end you will get an original and spectacular decoration your site.

In the USA they call it Japanese painted fern. This species is native to Korea, Japan, Vietnam and China and has gained particular popularity for its highly decorative leaves with a metallic sheen and red-purple tones on and around the stem. Winter-hardy (zone 3).

Like all ferns, Athyrium niponicum prefers to grow in the shade, but for its reddish colors to appear, the plant must receive a little sun - it is better if it is the morning rays before noon. Fern loves loose, humus-rich, acidic soil (pH 5) and plenty of moisture. When planted in soil rich in organic matter, the fern does not need to be fertilized, but on poor soils, a third or half of the norm used for perennials is sufficient. Adult plants reproduce by root suckers, which are best separated in mid-May or September. When propagated by spores, varietal characteristics are lost. In many American catalogs, varieties of this fern are given zone 5 (less often 4), but over 10 years of cultivation in a garden near Moscow, not a single plant was lost, and cold winter In 2002-03, some varieties were transferred without shelter (one magazine indicated the minimum temperature for this species was -31C).

Athyrium niponicum
Photo by Kirill Tkachenko

The variety "is popular in culture" Pictum"with an unusual leaf color, where silver-gray and pinkish coloring can be seen against a bluish-green background, especially along the veins. The color is best seen in light partial shade. Often distributed under the commercial name " Metallica". Winter-hardy in the Moscow region.

"Ursulas Red"(Athyrium nip. pictum "Ursula"s Red"). Breeder Ursula Herz. Young shoots of this fern open light green with a reddish bloom around the center and lighter yellowish-silver edges, which very quickly lighten to a silvery white color, and the central part is the opposite darkens, acquiring an ominous red-green or even red-purple-green color! Fantastic coloring and contrast. The variety is twice the size of the original species, with durable leaves that form a beautiful vase shape.

"Burgundy Lace"(Athyrium nip. pictum "Burgundy Lace"). The young shoots of this fern are almost entirely burgundy-red, but gradually, starting from the edges, the color changes first to light pink and then light silver, which leaves only central part; in autumn, greenish shades appear in the color; perhaps this is the most contrasting variety of all received at the beginning of 2004; Burgundy Lace" is twice the size of the original
species and is noticeably ahead of it in terms of growth rate.