New York Fern

About this plant

The New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) is a charming deciduous fern celebrated for its airy, light green foliage and unique frond shape. Its fronds are broadest in the middle and narrow significantly towards both the base and the tip, creating a distinct, elegant silhouette often described as "tapering at both ends." This characteristic makes it easily identifiable among other woodland ferns. Ideal for naturalizing in shaded borders, woodland gardens, or alongside streams and ponds, the New York Fern forms attractive colonies over time. It provides a soft, lush texture that beautifully complements hostas, hellebores, and other shade-loving perennials, creating a serene and inviting garden space. Relatively easy to grow and maintain, this native fern thrives in conditions mimicking its natural forest habitat. Its ability to spread gently makes it an excellent choice for filling in larger shaded areas, offering year-round appeal with its vibrant spring growth and golden fall dormancy.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage and aeration. While it prefers moist conditions, it will tolerate short periods of dry soil once established. No significant pruning is required; remove old, brown fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Mulch annually with leaf mold or compost to maintain soil moisture and fertility.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.