Nephrolepis cordifolia Artic Jungle - Boston Fern

Nephrolepis cordifolia Artic Jungle is the hardiest among this genus of ferns, much hardier than the usual Boston fern, Nephrolepis exalta, which decorates interiors so beautifully. This Arctic Jungle selection is also more decorative, with numerous finely cut upright, very vibrant green fronds, giving it a light and luxuriant appearance. The plant spreads through stolons, eventually forming an excellent ground cover. Planted outdoors in a protected area like a shaded patio or a small city garden, it loses its leaves in winter but regrows from the crown in spring. Indoors or in a conservatory, its beautiful foliage will stay all winter.

Nephrolepis cordifolia Artic Jungle belongs to the Dryopteridaceae or Nephrolepidaceae family according to classifications. The botanical species Nephrolepis cordata is a fast-growing perennial fern with trailing rhizomes. The rhizomes produce small underground kidney-shaped bulbs that are reserve organs. This characteristic is the origin of the name Nephrolepis: in Greek, nephros means kidney, and lepis means scale. These small tubers are true 'survival kits', allowing this Boston fern to withstand the cold better, down to -8°C (17.6°F), and regrow in spring if the crown is protected by mulching. The cultivar 'Jungle Arctic' forms a dense, upright clump about 50cm (20in) high, which spreads without theoretical limits. Its light and vibrant green fronds, about 50cm (20in) long on an adult plant, are divided into leaflets arranged in two perfect rows. The plant will recover after a cold winter. The foliage burns as soon as it freezes.

Nephrolepis cordifolia Artic Jungle is very ornamental and easy to grow, suitable for outdoor and indoor cultivation. It dislikes wind, and appreciates filtered light and light, well-drained soil, always slightly moist. It can be planted in a sheltered garden or a container. It also makes a beautiful conservatory plant. Choose a shaded corner of a wall, the cover of a tree, the base of an evergreen hedge (not too dry), or the base of a low wall to plant it. This fern will be superb in a shaded patio or courtyard. Consider the holly fern, Cyrtomium fortunei, Corydalis, or Bleeding Hearts to go with it.