Winterizing a Fern?

Randi

November 18, 20130 found this helpful

I live in zone 8 in Texas, and the only way I can insure that my ferns survive the winter is by bringing them inside. I use hanging baskets and hang them in humid areas of the house - bathrooms and laundry room. Once a week they go into the shower for watering.
I have been able to keep plants such as banana trees and elephant ears over winter by letting them freeze, cut them back and apply 8 inches of mulch on top. But I have never tried it with ferns. I was afraid the ferns would freeze back, the stems fill with water through the winter, and the roots would rot - that's what happens to Lantana if it's cut back after a freeze. Hope this helps!