Problems with ferns

I planted 3 ferns in May 2014 in a north-facing border under the shade of a holly tree. They haven’t grown in size much and recently the leaves have started to turn rusty brown and it looks as if something might be eating them, as in some cases, only the central ‘spine’ remains. Nearby plants (Veronica, masterwork) haven’t been affected. Can they be saved or should I dig them up?

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1 Comment To "Problems with ferns"

#1 Comment By shelley On 04/18/2015 @ 12:25 pm

What type of fern is this?

There are a few possible scenarios.

Ferns will die back (frond leaves will drop, turn brown) when it gets cold in winter, but they will begin to grow again in spring. Check under the old growth and see if there is a little fiddlehead emerging.

Rusty-brown leaves can be indicative of rust. I recommend that you review the following article and make a judgment on whether that is indeed the case:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/rusty-looking-fern-leaves.htm ^[1]

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