Sensitive Fern
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Sensitive Fern - Premium #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Buying Options for Plants
Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. Here is a helpful resource to understand your options as you create a beautiful landscape with help from Nature Hills.
Ever wonder what a larger plant will mean for your landscape? Container Sizes are really all about the age of the plant!
Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.
- Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.
- Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.
Nature Hills Container Size by Volume
Keep in mind, specific varieties and different growing conditions can affect the rate at which plants grow. Variations in size may occur.
| Young Plants to 18 Months | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| 2"x2"x3" | Ranges from | .18 to .21 dry quarts / .198 to .23 dry liters in volume |
| 4.5" Container | Equal to | .65 dry quart / .72 dry liter in volume |
| Sprinter Pot | Equal to | .63 dry quart / .69 dry liter in volume |
| 4" Container | Ranges from | .31 to .87 / .35 to .96 dry liter in volume |
| 6" Container | Equal to | 1.4 dry quarts / 1.59 dry liters in volume |
| 1 Quart | Equal to | 1 dry quart / 1.1 dry liter in volume |
| 5.5" Container | Equal to | 1.89 of a dry quart / 2.08 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x5" | Ranges from | .8 to 1.1 dry quarts / .88 to 1.2 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x6" | Ranges from | 1.0 to 1.3 dry quarts / 1.1 to 1.41 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x9" | Ranges from | 1.1 to 2.1 dry quarts / 1.2 to 2.3 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x10" | Ranges from | 1.7 to 2.3 dry quart / 1.87 to 2.53 dry liters in volume |
| Plants 18 Months - 2.5 Years Old | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| 2 Quart | Equal to | 2 dry quarts / 2.2 dry liters in volume |
| #1 Container | Ranges from | 2.26 to 3.73 dry quarts / 2.49 to 4.11 dry liters in volume |
| 5"x5"x12" | Equal to | 3.5 to 4.3 dry quarts / 3.85 to 4.74 dry liters in volume |
| Plants 2 - 4 Years Old | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| #2 Container | Ranges from | 1.19 to 1.76 dry gallons / 5.24 to 7.75 dry liters in volume |
| #3 Container | Ranges from | 2.32 to 2.76 dry gallons / 10.22 to 12.16 dry liters in volume |
| Plants 3 - 5 Years Old | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| #5 Container | Ranges from | 2.92 to 4.62 dry gallons / 12.86 to 20.35 dry liters in volume |
| #6 Container | Ranges from | 5.25 to 6.01 dry gallons / 23.12 to 26.42 dry liters in volume |
| #7 Container | Ranges from | 5.98 to 6.08 dry gallons / 26.34 to 26.78 dry liters in volume |
Sensitive Fern
Plant Highlights
Sensitive Fern highlights at a glance!
Plant Highlights
Plant Highlights
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Shade, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Pruning Time
Growing Zones
Sensitive Fern - Moving Moisture-Loving Lace!
The lacy Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a lush, low-maintenance groundcover! This striking native Fern is known for its broad, vibrant green fronds and unique texture. Perfect for shady, moist areas, this fast-spreading perennial thrives in naturalized settings, offering a lush, woodland feel.
Its name comes from its sensitivity to frost, as the fronds wither with the first touch of cold. Despite this, its hardy underground rhizomes ensure it bounces back stronger each spring.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Foliage: Broad, lobed green fronds
- Mature Height: 3-4 feet tall and wide
- Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil: Moist to wet, rich well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–8
- Native Plant: Ideal for naturalistic and woodland gardens
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates wet soil and requires minimal care
Landscaping With Sensitive Fern
The Sensitive Fern is perfect for woodland gardens, rain gardens, and moist, shady areas! Its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it an excellent ground cover for pond edges, stream banks, and low-lying garden beds. Its bold, coarse-textured fronds create a stunning contrast with finer-leaved shade plants like hostas and astilbes.
- Woodland and naturalized shade gardens
- Rain Gardens
- Groundcover for damp areas
- Pond and stream edges
- Politely spreading, easy mass plantings and drifts!
Fern Care & Maintenance
Ferns are unique plants with a curious lifecycle. Caring for Sensitive Fern is easy, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial plant.
- Soil: Prefers consistently moist, rich, and well-drained soil
- Water: Keep soil wet or consistently moist, especially in dry periods
- Light: Partial to full shade for best growth
- Spacing: Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for natural spreading
- Pruning: Remove dead fronds in early spring to encourage fresh growth
Moving Moisture-Loving & Lacy Native!
Sensitive Fern is a versatile and hardy ground cover that brings lush, bold texture to shady garden areas. Whether you're filling in wet spots or creating a woodland retreat, this native fern is a reliable, attractive choice that requires little effort but delivers big impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does Sensitive Fern grow?
Sensitive Fern typically grows 3-4 feet tall, making it an excellent medium-height ground cover.
Is it deer-resistant?
Yes, Sensitive Fern is deer-resistant, though heavy browsing may occasionally occur.
What does "Sensitive" refer to?
The name refers to the plant's sensitivity to frost, causing its fronds to die back with the first frost of fall.
Where should I plant it?
It thrives in moist, shady locations such as woodland gardens, rain gardens, or stream banks.
Does it spread?
Yes, Sensitive Fern spreads through underground rhizomes, making it a great choice for naturalized settings.
Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?
Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!
