Are you yearning to turn your garden into a hummingbird haven? There’s an unsung hero you should know about—the graceful Cinnamon Fern.
Cinnamon ferns, scientifically known as Osmundastrum Cinnamomum. They are particularly attractive to hummingbirds due to their scale-like hairs making it an attractive nesting material ¹.
And that is just one of their benefits. Let’s learn how they are the perfect partners in creating a hummingbird-friendly oasis right in your backyard.
1. Prime Nesting Material
Hummingbirds are always on the lookout for the best places to raise their young. Cinnamon Ferns offer an unrivaled nesting material that keeps hummingbird chicks warm and cozy. The fern’s fuzzy fibers are a favorite for these tiny birds who weave them into their delicate nests.
When you incorporate Cinnamon Ferns into your landscape, you provide a valuable resource for nesting hummingbirds. These ferns become a source of comfort and security, ensuring the next generation of hummingbirds has a strong start in life.
2. A Haven for Food Sources
The lush green fronds of Cinnamon Ferns are more than just decorative. They attract a plethora of insects, which are a staple in a hummingbird’s diet. As natural bug zappers, these ferns play a critical role in providing food for hummingbirds, especially during their feeding season.
Not only do these ferns help sustain the hummingbirds directly, but they also entice other insect-eating birds that help keep your garden in balance. This creates a booming ecosystem right in your own yard, with hummingbirds at the heart of it.
3. Shelter and Protection
Cinnamon Ferns grow in beautiful, dense clumps that offer much-needed shelter to hummingbirds. Within these green sanctuaries, hummingbirds find a break from the elements and a hiding place from predators.
The structure of these ferns is ideal for small wildlife to navigate while deterring larger animals. Ensuring that your feathered friends can dart freely and safely in your garden.
4. Durability for Year-Round Appeal
Cinnamon Ferns are a hardy plant that can withstand tough conditions, making them a reliable fixture in your garden year after year. This resilience is beneficial for hummingbirds, who can count on the presence of these ferns as a consistent part of their habitat.
Their robust nature also means less work for gardeners. The Cinnamon Fern’s longevity ensures that nesting materials and protection for hummingbirds are available season after season without the need for constant replanting or maintenance.
How to Grow Cinnamon Fern
Start by selecting a spot in your garden that receives partial to full shade. These ferns thrive in sheltered locations away from the harsh afternoon sun.
Ensure the soil is rich, moist, and well-draining, incorporating organic matter like compost or peat moss. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging the soil to prevent root rot.
Cinnamon Ferns are quite adaptable and require minimal maintenance once established. They benefit from a mulch layer to retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
As the fern grows, it will form dense, green clumps, providing a lush backdrop to your garden setting. Divide the ferns in early spring every few years to manage their spread and rejuvenate older clumps, ensuring the health and vigor of your Cinnamon Ferns for seasons to come.
Our garden is our sanctuary, and with every Cinnamon Fern we plant, we extend our invitation to the hummingbirds, promising them a home filled with warmth, nourishment, and protection. It’s a love letter to nature, signed with the flourish of a gardener’s green thumb.
Sources:
- https://mgnv.org/wildlife/native-herbaceous-plants-shelter-nesting-sites/
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.