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