Ferns

Using ferns in the garden

Ferns are some of the oldest plants on the planet. They can be bold and dramatic and offer a different texture to the garden. They work well next to streams or in low lying damp areas.

Ferns for sunny sites

Osmunda regalis is a deciduous fern that will tolerate sun if kept moist although prefers light shade.

Athyrium filix-femina is a deciduous fern that will also tolerate sun if kept moist. It will grow on moist but well drained chalk, loam or sand.

Ferns for partial shade

Matteuccia struthiopteris is a deciduous fern for cool, moist, partly shaded or shaded sites.

Ferns for full shade

Asplenium scolopendrium is an evergreen fern with strappy, sometimes wavy leaves. It will tolerate dry shade once established.

Polystichum setiferum is an evergreen fern that will grow on most moist humus rich shaded soils.

Examples of ferns

Click on any of the images below to enlarge and read more information

Asplenium scolopendrium is an evergreen fern with strappy, sometimes wavy leaves. It will tolerate dry shade once established.

Athyrium filix-femina is a deciduous fern that will also tolerate sun if kept moist. It will grow on moist but well drained chalk, loam or sand.

Ferns and heuchera

Osmunda regalis is a deciduous fern that will tolerate sun if kept moist although prefers light shade.

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