Crested Surf Japanese Painted Ferns Re-Emerge - May 2025

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After finding a falling for a new (to me...at the time) fern, I planted three Crested Surf Japanese Painted ferns in the backyard in 2021.   They had a hard-time getting established, so I wasn't sure if they were coming back those first few seasons.  Now...in their fifth season, I'm seeing them push through the thick mulch layer with fronds unfurling in early May.   

See below for the three Crested Surf ferns that are planted in a triangle:

Japanese Painted Ferns - Crested Surf - Emerging in Spring

Similar to other things, I'm thinking that I planted these too far apart.  These, too, should be [candidates for dividing] this Fall.  

Location: Downers Grove, IL, USA

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