Flowering fern

The flowering fern is a large plant which needs room to develop. The large clumps have tall stems bearing short ladder-like leaves along their length. In summer, spore-bearing fronds with tightly furled tips push up through the leaves, creating an impression of faded flower-heads, hence the plant's common name. In autumn, the foliage turns golden yellow don't cut it down until winter's end. Although ferns are traditionally grown in shade, this one is happy in sun provided the soil stays moist. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).