"Jmagerl" wrote in message
...
I have about a thousand sq ft of fern beds. I suspect they are Ostrich
ferns
(some get to 5ft high). Northern Illinois is currently under extreme
drought
conditions. I am trying to water the ferns but must admit I can't keep up
with evaporation and they are beginning to show stress. About 25% of them
have shrivelled up and the others all have some sign of stress. My
question:
If they shrivel up, will they come back next year? Just how hardy are
they?
If a plant shrivels up, do I stop watering because its dead or does it
leave
runners that grow new plants next year? WHat can I expect next spring if I
stop watering? I would like to focus my watering on the big trees (the
100ft tall black cherries are the worst). IF it doesnt rain soon, I fear
the
loss of some marvelous trees. I can only do so much with a garden hose.
THe
hostas, daylilies, peonies will have to fend for themselves. sigh....

I'm in SW Ohio and it has been VERY dry and hot here. My ostrich ferns have
virtually disappeared, even with regular watering. They tend to do this
each year and come back in the spring bigger than ever.