Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Tuesday - September 05, 2006

From: New Rochelle, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Transplants, Ferns
Title: Transplanting native, protected Ostrich fern in New York
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Please give advice about how to transplant Matteuccia struthiopteris. What is the best time of year to do this?

ANSWER:

The best time to transplant Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) in New York is in the spring before it produces its first new leaves. Several weeks before the average last frost would be a good date to do your transplanting. Here is some information about ferns and their care from Virginia Tech Extension Service.