Overwintering guide
How to overwinter tunbridge filmy fern
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills tunbridge filmy fern in winter
Cutting tunbridge filmy 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 tunbridge filmy fern care
Overwintering tunbridge filmy fern — FAQ
Does tunbridge filmy fern need to come indoors for winter?
Tunbridge Filmy 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. Tunbridge Filmy 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 tunbridge filmy fern for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water tunbridge filmy fern in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills tunbridge filmy fern over winter?
Cutting tunbridge filmy 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.