Mine have a lot of mulch and aren't showing yet. But the last of my daffodils just dug through all the mulch this week. I plan to move mine this year so am watching for them. The tree they are under is not a good spot. Not enough shade I think.

Patience, patience, patience.

Mine just poked through yesterday. I thought it had died over the winter and last week I planted a Korean rock fern almost on top of it!!

My ostrich ferns are jsut begining to pop. I also saw a lady fern or two yesterday. The maiden hair, autumn, christmas and Japanese are all yet to come. They will, Not to worry!

I was worried about mine too, but I think I see something poking up that might be it. They're not a bright green, so it's kind of hard to notice.

Zone 6 in a protected shady spot against the foundation, they are up but still pretty much dark red/purple from the cold.

A couple of our ferns are just beginning to grow, and one hasn't showed up at all yet. Last year, the late one didn't appear above the ground until late May, so apparently it's just a naturally late type to sprout.

I'm in a lot warmer zone than most of you and even mine were slow coming up. I think thats the way they are. I was concerned about a Royal Fern which is still not showing but the fern guy I talked to said they need warmth to show up. So yes, wait. They are hardy in the MWest so you should see them eventually.

I'm in 6a an hour North of Lake Erie and my Japanese Painted Ferns didn't pop up until the end of May. They are growing like mad now but they were the last of my ferns to come up. I will expect the same next year and not worry about them. My Christmas, Man, Hart's Tongue and Holly fern all stayed green through the winter under 3 and 4 feet of snow. I believe all are considered "hardy" as far as ferns go and tend to stay green throughout the winter even in my northern (for North America) climate.

Barb

i know im late but, you deserve a 2008 opinion:]....Japanese painted fern's bloom time: Grown around for foliage Hardiness: Zones 5 to 8 Mature plant size: 1 to 2 ft. high, 1 ft. wide Care tip: put it in the shade, the color needs a little sun though!!!

I'm running into this right now--not sure if my Japanese Painted Fern died over the winter (or to a hungry animal) or if it's just shy. I'll hold off until mid-May before buying a replacement. Glad you all shared your experiences!!

@Aaron Rosarian Zone 5b also just found this old thread - I'm zone 6b and none of the 6+ painted ferns planted last year have emerged yet. Maybe there's still hope...?

hope is all I got right now! it's an excuse to buy more ferns though I suppose.