Dig and separate slender, branched rhizomes to replant fall or spring. Dig hole wide enough to spread rhizomes out. Plant so crown is just above soil level. Ferns also propagated through spores, which have casings often confused with scale insects, but this is a time-consuming process. Other ferns good for Hampton Roads include cinnamon fern, royal fern, maidenhair fern, ostrich fern, lady fern, holly fern, Japanese painted fern, autumn fern, chain fern, deer fern, hairy lip fern, New York fern, sensitive fern, hayscented fern and shield fern.
River birch makes a nice companion, sheltering tree for ferns because it, too, likes moist soil.