Overwintering guide
How to overwinter chilean hard fern
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills chilean hard fern in winter
Cutting chilean hard fern hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More chilean hard fern care
Overwintering chilean hard fern — FAQ
Does chilean hard fern need to come indoors for winter?
Chilean Hard Fern is hardy to roughly USDA zone 7 — winter lows around -18°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Chilean Hard Fern is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move chilean hard fern for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water chilean hard fern in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills chilean hard fern over winter?
Cutting chilean hard fern hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.