There are a surprising number of fern species that can tolerate cold weather. In fact, some can even survive in areas where the temperature dips below zero degrees Fahrenheit!
If you are looking for a hardy fern to add to your garden, or if you are curious about how far down cold tolerance can go, read on. We will explore some of the most cold-tolerant ferns on the planet and how they manage to thrive in such harsh conditions.
Cold Tolerance by Fern Type
Frosty Ferns
Many people think of ferns as delicate plants that can barely tolerate a light frost. However, there are actually quite a few species that can handle cold weather fairly well. For example, the hardy wood fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) is native to North America and can survive in areas where the temperature dips down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Another North American fern, the eastern sword fern (Polystichum munitum), can tolerate temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
European Ferns
Some of the most cold-tolerant ferns on the planet are found in Europe. One of these is the western polypody (Polypodium interjectum), which thrives in areas where temperatures drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The similar-looking hard fern (Blechnum spicant) can also survive cold weather, as long as it has access to moist soil and some protection from wind.
Tropical Ferns
Tropical ferns may seem like they would be the most susceptible to cold weather, but there are a few species that can handle cooler temperatures. For example, the staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is a tropical plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
And the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), while not technically a tropical fern, can survive in areas where the temperature drops down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, how cold can ferns tolerate? The answer is: it depends on the species. But most ferns can handle temperatures somewhere between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and minus 20 degrees. I
f you live in a cold climate and want to grow ferns in your garden, consider planting one of the hardy varieties mentioned above.
Can Ferns Survive Frost?
Ferns are often considered to be delicate plants that cannot tolerate frost. But how cold can ferns tolerate? There are actually quite a few species that can survive in areas where the temperature dips below freezing point for short periods of time, such as during mild winters or early spring frosts.
The Eastern sword fern (Polystichum munitum), for example, can tolerate temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. And the hardy wood fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) is native to North America and can survive in areas where the temperature dips down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Cold can Ferns Tolerate: Conclusion
So, while most ferns cannot handle sustained periods of cold weather, there are a few that can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit or even lower. If you live in a colder climate and want to grow ferns in your garden, be sure to choose a hardy variety that is suited for your region.