Potting and Repotting Hay-ScentedFern. Gardeners plant hay-scentedferns for their vigorous growth—a characteristic that makes them ill-suited for container growing. The fern's finely divided, feathery fronds give it a soft, delicate appearance, yet its tenacity in establishing itself ensures that it provides lasting green throughout the growing season. Are hay-scentedferns invasive? Where Do HayScentedFernsGrow? Plant hay-scentedfern (Dennstaedtia punctiloba) in a location with partial shade.Hay-scentedfernsgrow best in USDA climate zones 3 to 8 and can tolerate moist to dry conditions, although they prefer shade with consistent moisture. Hay-scentedferns are characterized by their delicate, lacy fronds that can grow up to 2 feet in length. These fronds are composed of numerous small, finely-divided leaflets that give the plant its soft, feathery appearance. Hayscentedfern ( Dennstaedtia punctiloba ) is a deciduous fern that, when crushed, releases a scent of fresh mowed hay. They can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm.) in height and spread up to 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m.) wide. The hay-scentedfern is a deciduous fern (Dennstaedtiaceae family).Hay-scentedfern is easy to cultivate. It spreads rapidly in light shade to sun and is fairly drought-tolerant. It grows in clay, loamy or sandy soil that is neutral or acidic. It also tolerates salt spray. The hayscentedfern could be what you need. This plant produces lush green fronds that add color, simplistic charm, and an extensive weed barrier. However, you must know how to grow and care for these plants to encourage them to thrive. Hay-scentedfern is deciduous and can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height and spread up to 3 to 4 feet (90 – 120 cm) wide. When it emerges in spring, it’s lush bright green. It’s often considered ephemeral, though, as it turns soft yellow and tends to look raged as it moves into fall. The HayScentedFern or Dennstaedtia punctilobula may look delicate, but this hardy fern is a landscape workhorse. Large feathery fronds have a central midrib with alternating pinna.The HayScentedFern will grow 24 to 30 inches tall and 30 to 36 inches wide. Hay-scentedferns prefer dappled or partial shade; intense midday sun can scorch the fronds, causing them to wilt or curl at the edges. Check the root system as well; compacted soil can hinder proper root expansion and nutrient uptake, leading to distorted growth. Bring effortless greenery and soft texture to your landscape with Dennstaedtia punctiloba – Hay-ScentedFern. This fast-growing, fragrant fern is a perfect solution for naturalizing shaded spaces and creating lush, low-maintenance beauty. Yes, the hay-scentedfern can naturally grow in an expansive area forming a bright green, luxurious carpet. In addition to forest floors, this ferngrows in rocky slopes, open fields, and meadows. Growing this friendly fern in your outdoor space will give you a natural deer repellent. Fernsgrow better when they are 18 inches apart—plant ferns in mostly shady places. Hayscentedferns are a pretty green color that turns into a light yellow in the fall time. Hayscentedferns are very strong and will take over. Plant hay-scentedferns away from weaker plants. Hay-scentedfern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is a native species that is common especially in forests dominated by maple or cherry, although it can occur in other forests.