Overrated for ease, underrated for beauty — Maidenhair Fern

People describe Maidenhair Fern as easy and I'd push back on that slightly. removing dead fronds cleanly at the base in spring needs consistent attention and scale insects on the undersides of fronds can undermine progress quickly if ignored.

Where Maidenhair Fern is genuinely underrated is the beauty. prehistoric elegance with delicate layered fronds is extraordinary when you see it in person. I display it in a woodland garden understorey planting and it gets comments from everyone who sees it. early emergence from the soil before most other plants in spring is the time to really understand what this plant offers. Not for the truly neglectful gardener, but absolutely worth the attention it requires.