Bring Nature Indoors and Outdoors with Our Vibrant Selection of Ferns: Perfect for Any Setting!
Ferns, with their lush green fronds and diverse forms, are ancient plants that have graced our planet for millions of years. These non-flowering plants belong to the Pteridophyta group and thrive in a wide range of environments, from deep, shady forests to rocky mountain areas. Ferns are admired for their ability to add a touch of elegance and tranquility to any space, be it indoors or outdoors.
There are about 10,500 known species of ferns worldwide. They come in an astonishing variety of sizes, shapes, and shades of green. Ferns are characterized by their graceful fronds, which uncoil from tight spirals known as fiddleheads. These plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also beneficial for improving air quality and increasing humidity.
In garden design, ferns are versatile players. They can serve as lush underplantings in shady areas, create a backdrop for colorful blooms, or stand alone as architectural focal points. Their preference for shade and moisture makes them ideal for areas where other plants might struggle.
Indoors, ferns bring a slice of nature’s serenity to our living spaces. They are popular for their air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in lower light conditions, making them perfect for brightening up dim corners of homes and offices.
Ferns are generally low-maintenance, though they do have specific watering and light requirements to keep them thriving. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, incorporating ferns into your plant collection can add a refreshing and rejuvenating element to your environment.
Here are 40 popular ferns, suitable for indoor or outdoor settings:
Polystichum setiferum, also known as Soft Field Fern, is a captivating evergreen fern with a unique and attractive appearance. Its graceful, willowy fronds form a beautiful rosette, swirling around the center of the plant. The fronds are soft and lance-shaped, creating an inviting texture. With its lush green foliage and cinnamon-brown scales, Soft Field Fern is a striking addition to any garden. Native to Europe.
Hardiness | 6 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Incredibly attractive, Adiantum venustum (Himalayan Maidenhair) is a deciduous fern, almost evergreen in mild areas, with broadly triangular fronds composed of many small fan-shaped segments. Emerging in late winter to early spring, the new fronds display a charming salmon flush before maturing to fresh spring green. The branching rhizome is creeping, gradually supporting a colony of elegant evergreen fronds. Hardy and very ornamental, this fern is a desirable addition to the shade garden that it will slowly carpet with softness and reliable beauty.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Asplenium nidus, known as Bird’s Nest Fern, is an evergreen that forms a striking rosette of broad, glossy green fronds with dark midribs and wavy edges. Unlike typical ferns, its fronds are undivided, creating a robust appearance. The plant’s unique vase-shaped arrangement and shuttlecock-like formation with a nest-like center where new leaves emerge make it a focal point. In outdoor settings, fronds can reach 4-5 ft., while indoor plants usually grow 1-2 ft. long. Native to the tropical Old World.
Hardiness | 11 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, or Japanese Painted Fern, is a captivating deciduous fern known for its gracefully arching fronds, showcasing a unique blend of soft blue-green and silver hues, highlighted by dark burgundy midribs. This slow-spreading, low-maintenance fern is both pest and disease-free, offering effortless elegance to gardens. Originating from Northeastern Asia, it’s a delightful and visually striking choice for any garden setting.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern) is a vigorous and elegantly beautiful deciduous fern. It forms a large rosette of fresh-green, lacy fronds that can arch gracefully. The stems may exhibit a captivating red hue. Fast-growing and easy to cultivate, it is an ideal choice for filling spaces among shrubs or beneath trees. Native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Hardiness | 4 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
The Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) is a robust evergreen fern, native to western North America. Its glossy, lance-shaped fronds, reminiscent of swords with toothed edges, form a striking and stately mound. This fern’s versatility makes it perfect for woodland gardens, both as a specimen or in groups. Additionally, its durable foliage is popular in floral arrangements.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ (Autumn Fern) is an evergreen fern with strikingly orange-red new fronds in spring, which contrast beautifully with the shiny, dark green, mature fronds. Fading to lustrous summer green as the season progresses, the bipinnate, triangular blades draw attention again in fall with their bright red ripe spores (sori) on their undersides. Prized for its adaptability and brilliance, Autumn Fern thrives on neglect and is pest and disease free. A great asset for shady, difficult corners of the garden.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Adiantum aleuticum (Western Maidenhair Fern) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial fern with graceful, bright green fronds that open like the fingers of a hand atop upright, shiny, purple-black wiry stems. This fern adds a graceful touch to shaded garden areas or indoor spaces, enchanting with its airy foliage and natural elegance. It prefers medium to bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil to thrive. Native to North America
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Nephrolepis exaltata, widely known as the Boston Fern, is favored for its lush, feathery fronds, which add a touch of green elegance to any space. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also adapt to lower light conditions. Perfect for hanging baskets or tabletop plants, where its gracefully arching fronds can be fully appreciated, it is also an excellent groundcover or border plant in shady gardens.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) features unique cinnamon-brown spore-bearing fronds amidst blue-green sterile fronds, resembling cinnamon sticks. Its vase-like arrangement and chocolate-brown tipped, silvery spring fiddleheads add dramatic flair. Native to the Americas and eastern Asia, this fern is a captivating garden focal point, thriving in moist, shaded areas.
Hardiness | 4 - 10 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) is renowned for its distinctive form and texture. This tall, robust, deciduous fern forms a large rosette of elegantly divided, bright green fronds that emerge with a pinkish hue in spring. Unique to this species are the rusty-brown, fertile flower spikes at the frond tips. In fall, the foliage shifts to striking red-brown hues, enhancing garden aesthetics. Native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.
Hardiness | 3 - 10 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
With its long, feathery fronds resembling Ostrich plumes, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) is an elegant and low-maintenance addition to the garden. Its fresh green sterile fronds unfurl in spring and provide a graceful display throughout the growing season. This deciduous fern is perfect for bog gardens and adds a touch of natural beauty to any landscape. Native to North America.
Hardiness | 3 - 7 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Adiantum capillus-veneris (Southern Maidenhair Fern) is a delicate, semi-evergreen fern with arching, light green fronds on black stems, forming an elegant mound. Ideal for woodland gardens and moist rock walls, it offers lush ground cover and easy cultivation. This globally widespread fern thrives in both tropical and temperate regions.
Hardiness | 8 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’, also known as Asparagus Fern, brightens gardens year-round as an ornamental, tuberous, evergreen perennial. It features erect to arching stems, densely covered with delicate, foxtail-like foliage in deep green, perfect for floral arrangements. In late spring to early summer, it blooms with small, fragrant white flowers, later producing a few red berries by fall. Originating from eastern and South Africa, Asparagus fern species is globally popular but invasive in regions like Australia, Florida, Hawaii, and southern California. ‘Myersii’ is a more compact cultivar with fewer berries, posing a lesser invasive risk. It’s one of the most favored cultivars for its ornamental appeal.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
A dramatic addition to the garden, Athyrium otophorum (Eared Lady Fern) is a small deciduous fern forming a tuft of erect to arching, triangular, bipinnate fronds with reddish to purplish stems. Emerging pale silver and greenish gold throughout the growing season, the delicate fronds mature to dark green, giving the foliage a multicolor effect. Easy to grow and perfect for filling gaps between shrubs or under trees, Eared Lady Fern is a well-behaved, clumping fern right at home in woodland gardens combined with blue and gold hostas. Native to Japan and East Asia.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Cyathea cooperi, the Australian Tree Fern, is a fast-growing, evergreen fern known for its long, elegant fronds, reaching up to 13 feet. New ‘fiddleheads’ unfurl with silky hairs, while mature fronds show dusty brown sori underneath. Its slender, scar-marked trunk adds character. Easy to grow in mild climates and dappled light, it’s perfect for gardens and containers, offering a lush, tropical feel and strong architectural presence. Native to eastern Australia, it’s an award-winning addition to any landscape.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 12' (3m - 3.7m) |
Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York Fern) is a delicate, deciduous fern with finely textured, pinnate-pinnatifid fronds, 8-25 inches long, tapering to both ends in a unique elliptical shape. Growing in clumps from a dark brown, slightly scaly rhizome, this fern rapidly forms dense colonies. Native to eastern North America, it’s ideal for mass planting along streams and ponds in shaded or filtered sunlight settings. It beautifully fills gaps left by spring ephemerals in woodland gardens, creating a lush, green carpet.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 8" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Polystichum polyblepharum, the Japanese Tassel Fern, is an evergreen, award-winner with glossy, dark green fronds featuring golden hairs as they unfurl in spring, resembling tassels. This fern forms a vase-shaped clump, maintaining year-round freshness. Easy to grow in shade, it’s perfect for borders and floral arrangements. Native to Japan and Korea, it enhances any shade garden.
Hardiness | 6 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
With its unique frond structure, Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern) is an enchanting evergreen fern. The spreading sterile fronds create a graceful mound of finely cut foliage, while the upright fertile fronds add an intriguing vertical element. Low-maintenance and adaptable, it thrives in cool, moist, shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for any garden. Native to Europe, Northeast Asia, and Western North America.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) is a resilient evergreen fern with dark green, holly-like fronds and silvery spring fiddleheads. It offers year-round interest in shaded gardens, serving as ground cover or alongside other shade plants. Adaptable and low-maintenance, this fern, native to Eastern North America, thrives in a range of soils.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
With its tropical appearance and distinctive undivided fronds, Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s Tongue Fern) is an evergreen fern prized for its elegant form. The bright green, strap-shaped fronds arch gracefully, creating a beautiful rosette. This fern maintains its lush and fresh appearance year-round and features striking brown stripes on the undersides of mature fronds. Native to Europe and the eastern United States.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Pteridium aquilinum, known as Bracken Fern, is a hardy and vigorous deciduous fern with large, triangular fronds up to 3 feet long, emerging directly from deep underground rhizomes. The fronds are intricately divided and lined with clusters of spores underneath. After turning brown in autumn, new fiddleheads spring up annually. This globally widespread fern thrives in fire-prone and acidic soils and can aggressively form colonies through its extensive underground rhizome network. Best suited for wild, natural areas rather than gardens due to its invasive nature, it makes an effective groundcover for dry woodlands. Native to continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, Bracken Fern’s adaptability is remarkable.
Hardiness | 3 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Polypodium virginianum (Rock Polypody) is a charming evergreen fern with bright green, lance-shaped fronds that are deeply cut along the central rib. Its fronds bear rows of rusty orange spore clusters on the underside, maintaining a lush appearance all year. This fern non-invasively spreads through creeping rhizomes, naturally colonizing on mossy trees and rocks. Ideal for cottage, rock, or woodland gardens, Rock Polypody offers year-round interest and pairs well with other shade-loving plants. Native to eastern North America, it’s a versatile and attractive choice for naturalistic settings.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Dryopteris goldieana, known as Giant Wood Fern, stands out as one of the largest and most striking North American Dryopteris species. This upright, deciduous fern forms a rosette of broadly oval fronds, varying in color from blue-green to pale pastel green, and divided into numerous oblong, indented leaflets. The fronds have a distinctive abrupt tapering at their tips. Giant Wood Fern thrives in moist, shady sites, making it perfect for a standout specimen or grouped for vertical emphasis in the garden. Native to eastern North America, it’s adaptable to a wide range of temperatures.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Elegant and fast-growing, Adiantum raddianum (Delta Maidenhair) is a tufted evergreen fern with smooth, purplish-black stalks bearing triangular, 3-pinnate, lacy fronds composed of rounded, fan-shaped segments. Emerging light green, they darken with age and can reach 18 in. in length (45 cm). Popular as a houseplant, it is long-lived if it receives sufficient humidity and is not exposed to drafts. Native to Tropical Americas, West Indies.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Eastern Hay-Scented Fern) is a lovely deciduous fern forming a large rosette of upright to arching, lacy, narrow-triangular, light-green fronds, 30 in. long (75 cm). The fronds turn shades of yellow in fall. Eastern Hay-Scented Fern is noted for its sweet scent of freshly cut hay which is released when crushed or dried. Fast-growing, this fern will spread by rhizomes to form colonies. Useful as a ground cover in shade gardens, woodland gardens, or under trees. The fronds can be cut for use in flower arrangements. Native to eastern North America.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Dryopteris marginalis, or Marginal Wood Fern, is an easy-to-grow, well-mannered evergreen fern forming a vase-shaped rosette. Its ascending to arching, leathery, blue-green fronds feature 12-20 pairs of leaflets. Broad and up to 10 inches wide, the fronds can extend up to 3 feet. In spring, golden brown, furry fiddleheads emerge in vase-like clusters. This fern forms a dramatic, single-crowned specimen and does not spread aggressively. Native to eastern North America, it thrives in shaded, rocky crevices and is the most drought-tolerant among Wood Ferns. Its elegant evergreen fronds add year-round interest, especially in winter landscapes.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Thelypteris palustris (Eastern Marsh Fern) is a deciduous fern recognized for its elegance. It features erect to ascending, fine-textured, pinnate-pinnatifid fronds, 6-24 inches long, in a light green hue with about 10-40 deeply cut leaflets. The fronds and leaflets often display a slightly curved and twisted form. This fern spreads through rhizomes, forming dense colonies, and is native to eastern North America and across Eurasia. It thrives along streams and ponds in sunny or lightly shaded areas, perfect for mass plantings.
Hardiness | 5 - 10 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
A very interesting plant for the shady garden, Osmunda claytoniana (Interrupted Fern) is a charming deciduous fern with showy, lance-shaped, divided, pale green sterile fronds surrounding erect, central fertile fronds. The fertile fronds are interrupted in the middle by brown leaflets, which typically fall off in mid-summer, thus giving this distinctive fern its common name. This fern is one of the first ferns to begin growth in spring. The oldest known fossil record of any living fern in the world is over 200 million years old! Low maintenance, pest, and disease-free, Interrupted Fern is a great asset for wet sites! Native to Eastern Asia and Eastern North America.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) is a coveted deciduous perennial known for its elegant, bright green fronds and distinctive black stems. With a circular arrangement of divided leaflets, it slowly spreads through rhizomes, forming large colonies. Ideal for shade gardens with moist soil, it adds a touch of grace and beauty to any landscape. Native to North America and Asia.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Pleopeltis polypodioides (Resurrection Fern) is an evergreen fern known for its lance-shaped, pinnately divided fronds, 4-8 inches long, with 8-14 pairs of oblong leaflets. The leaflets have densely scaled undersides and smooth tops, with rusty orange sori bearing spores. Remarkably, the fronds can curl up and appear dead in dry conditions, then quickly ‘resurrect’ upon watering. Perfect for shaded cottage, rock, or woodland gardens, it also thrives on tree trunks, logs, stumps, or rocks, adding a unique touch to these settings. Native to the Americas and Africa, the Resurrection Fern is a fascinating addition to any garden.
Hardiness | 6 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Nephrolepis biserrata, or Giant Sword Fern, is an impressive, evergreen fern known for its long, arching fronds that can soar up to 8 feet, forming dense mounds. It creates a striking tropical ambiance, spreading via horizontal stolons. Native to diverse regions from Florida to Southeast Asia, this fern thrives in moist environments like hammocks and swamps. Hardy in zones 10-11, it’s ideal for large groundcover, natural landscapes, and habitat restoration projects. Due to its height, it’s best positioned at the back of a garden for optimal display.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern) is a unique deciduous fern ideal for moist woodlands. It features broad, pale sea-green fronds with triangular leaflets, growing 2-4 feet long. Shorter fertile fronds with bead-like spores appear in summer, persisting through winter. Thriving in cool, shaded areas, it’s perfect for bog gardens and water features, and its fronds are great for dried arrangements. Native to eastern North America and Asia, it brings easy-to-grow lushness to naturalistic landscapes.
Hardiness | 4 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Polypodium glycyrrhiza, known as Licorice Fern, is a semi-evergreen native to coastal areas from Alaska to California. It forms mats of arching, triangular, dark green fronds, 10-12 inches long, with pointed, finely scalloped leaflets. The fern grows from a licorice-flavored reddish rhizome, traditionally chewed by Native Americans for its taste. Lush from fall to spring, it’s a summer deciduous fern, receding in dry seasons but may remain evergreen in cool, moist summers and warm, wet winters. Slowly spreading by rhizomes, it forms attractive colonies, adding charm to gardens. Ideal for moist rock gardens, woodland settings, or shady beds, it’s an undemanding and distinctive garden addition.
Hardiness | 4 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Dicksonia antarctica, the award-winning Soft Tree Fern, is a slow-growing semi-evergreen with a striking rosette of arching, glossy dark green fronds, each up to 10 feet long. Its robust trunk is cloaked in soft reddish-brown hairs. Evergreen in milder climates but deciduous in colder regions, this Australian native is incredibly easy to grow. Boasting a strong architectural presence, it serves as a spectacular accent in gardens within its hardiness range and is equally impressive in large containers. This fern adds a touch of dramatic elegance to any setting.
Hardiness | 9 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m) |
Dryopteris affinis, the Golden Male Fern, is an award-winning, robust, semi-evergreen fern. It showcases a rosette of finely cut, arching fronds emerging from a stout rhizome in shuttlecock-like clusters. The fronds start as bright chartreuse-green in spring, contrasting with their scaly, golden-brown midribs, then mature to rich green, often staying green through winter. Distinguished from Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern) by a small black dot at the base of each leaflet, it adds elegance to any garden setting. Easy to grow and evergreen in milder climates, this fern is native to Europe and Asia, thriving in a variety of garden situations.
Hardiness | 6 - 8 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Dryopteris cycadina (Shaggy Wood Fern) is an award-winning, graceful, semi-evergreen fern. It forms a neat rosette of lance-shaped, divided, bright green fronds, emerging in shuttlecock-like clusters from a short creeping rhizome. Each frond features 20-30 pairs of narrow, lance-shaped leaflets, with the stipes covered in eye-catching dark scales, especially prominent on young fronds. This fern grows in a stunning fountain-like form, bringing beauty and interest to any landscape. The striking contrast between its bright green blades and black stipes makes it a standout feature. Evergreen in mild winter climates, Shaggy Wood Fern is native to China and Japan, enhancing gardens with its unique appearance.
Hardiness | 6 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Dryopteris wallichiana, or Alpine Wood Fern, is an award-winning, exceptionally handsome semi-evergreen fern. It forms a stately tuft of lance-shaped, arching fronds from an erect rhizome, emerging in shuttlecock-like clusters. In spring, these fronds unfurl in a warm butter yellow hue, strikingly contrasted with blackish-brown scales on the stalk and midrib. As they mature, they turn a rich green and often stay green throughout winter in frost-free areas. After several years, this majestic fern can boast 50-60 fronds, making it a dramatic addition to any landscape. Easy to grow, it excels against rocky backdrops and in woodland gardens or beneath deciduous trees. Native to India and China, Alpine Wood Fern adds elegance and a touch of the exotic to gardens.
Hardiness | 6 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Perfect for small spaces, award-winning Polystichum tsussimense (Korean Rock Fern) is a small, tufted, evergreen fern bearing broadly lance-shaped, leathery, glossy blue-green fronds, adorned with black stems and narrowly oblong, spiny-toothed, pointed pinnae. Tidy and low-growing, this cute fern remains lush and fresh-looking throughout the season. A popular choice for boutonnieres, Korean Rock Fern is also terrific for the rock garden, at the front of shaded borders, or in containers. Native to eastern Asia.
Hardiness | 6 - 9 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Woodwardia fimbriata ( Giant Chain Fern) stands out in California gardens for its size and beauty. This evergreen fern features towering, arching fronds up to 8 feet, with lacy, apple-green leaves emerging from cinnamon-colored rhizomes. Native from British Columbia to Mexico, it’s North America’s largest fern, thriving in moist woodlands and redwood forests. Ideal near water or in shaded gardens, it requires minimal care and adds a dramatic touch.
Hardiness | 8 - 10 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
Where the Red Fern Grows?
This is actually the title of a novel by Wilson Rawls. In the story, red ferns are symbolic and are said to grow where an angel plants them. In reality, there isn’t a specific “red fern” that grows naturally.
Are Ferns Toxic to Cats?
Most ferns are non-toxic to cats. However, the Asparagus Fern, which is often mistaken for a true fern, is toxic to cats. It’s always best to check the specific type of fern and consult with a veterinarian.
Are Ferns Perennials?
Yes, most ferns are perennials. They grow year after year, often dying back in the winter and re-emerging in the spring.
How Often to Water Ferns?
Ferns generally prefer consistently moist soil. Indoor ferns typically require watering once the top inch of soil feels dry. Outdoor fern watering depends on climate and weather conditions but usually requires more frequent watering during dry periods. Overwatering or allowing them to sit in water can be harmful, so ensure good drainage.
Shade-loving plants, Ferns are wonderful companion plants to Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Their form and texture also tend to reduce the legginess of your Azalea shrubs and handsome effects can be created by choosing the perfect leaf shapes that complement and contrast beautifully to the growth habit for your Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
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Experience a garden full of color and vibrancy all season long with the beauty of annual flowers and plants – the perfect way to add a burst of life to any landscape!
Some perennial plants are less attractive or even unpalatable to deer. They contain natural chemical deterrents that make them less appealing, emit a strong scent that deer find offensive, or are distasteful.
Growing native Viburnum species in the U.S. offers a range of benefits, both ecological and aesthetic. Native Viburnums are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, making them easier to grow with less supplemental watering and fertilization. They also support native wildlife like birds and pollinators, providing them with food and shelter. Furthermore, native Viburnums typically have fewer problems with diseases and pests than non-native species, resulting in a healthier, more robust landscape.
Want to learn how to grow and care for a Dogwood tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plants.
Create a garden that commands attention throughout the year by selecting trees that excite interest month after month and provide a ravishing show throughout all four seasons.
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!