The scientific name of hardy gloxinia
is Incarvillea delavayi, also known as flowering fern but is not actually a
fern. The plant actually earns the nickname for its deeply divided, fern-like
leaves. The hardy gloxinia plants glow with pink, trumpet-shaped flowers from
spring to late summer. Growing the hardy gloxinia plants can be tricky, but the
beauty of the plant actually worth the extra effort. Keep in mind that the flowering
fern which is also known as hardy gloxinia fern doesn’t tolerate extreme
temperatures. The plant is perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones five through
seven, or possibly up to zone ten if you can protect the plant from hot
afternoon sunlight. In cooler climates you can grow the hardy gloxinia fern as
an annual. Continue reading to learn how to care for hardy gloxinia.
How to Care for Hardy Gloxinia
Make sure you plant the hardy
gloxinia fern in rich, well-drained soil, but you need to first work the soil
to a depth of at least eight inches in other to accommodate the long taproot.
If your soil is actually poor you can dig in a generous amount of manure or
compost before planting.
Furthermore, growing the hardy
gloxinia fern can be done by seed, or by planting the small starter plants from
a greenhouse or nursery. The plants actually spread, so you need to allow twenty-four
inches between each plant. The flowering fern plants thrive in full sunlight,
however in hot climates, locate the hardy gloxinia fern in afternoon shade. A well-drained
soil is a must for growing hardy gloxinia fern. If your soil is actually soggy
you can plant the hardy gloxinia ferns in containers or raised beds. Water the flowering
fern plants regularly to keep the soil lightly moist, but never soggy. Water the
hardy gloxinia ferns sparingly during the winter.
If you actually live in a cool
climate you can grow the flowering fern plants in a pot and bring it indoors
during the winter months. You can apply a generous layer of mulch to the outdoor-grown
flowering fern plants in fall, most especially if the climate is chilly. Make sure
you remove the mulch after frost danger passes in spring. The flowering fern plants
tend to be pest-free, with the exception of slugs and snails. Make sure you watch
for signs of the slimy pests and treat accordingly. You can deadhead hardy
gloxinia ferns regularly to prolong the blooming season. Also, regular
deadheading will prevent rampant self-seeding. Divide hardy gloxinia ferns in
spring whenever the plant looks messy or overgrown.
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