Overwintering guide
How to overwinter log fern
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills log fern in winter
Cutting log 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 log fern care
Overwintering log fern — FAQ
Does log fern need to come indoors for winter?
Log Fern is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Log 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 log fern for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water log fern in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills log fern over winter?
Cutting log 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.