Top 10 Best Perennial Ferns to Add to Your Garden

Table of Contents

If you're looking to add some greenery to your garden that will come back every year, adding a few ferns is a great option. Perennial ferns are low-maintenance, and they come in many different varieties. Here are the top 10 best perennial ferns to consider for your garden.

Why choose perennial ferns?

Perennial ferns are a great choice if you're looking for low-maintenance plants that will add greenery to your garden for years to come. They require little watering or fertilizing, and they can grow in a variety of soil types. Additionally, many varieties are tolerant of both sun and shade conditions.

What makes them ideal for gardens?

Ferns provide a unique texture to your garden, with their delicate and airy fronds. They also thrive in the humid conditions often found in gardens, making them ideal for those environments. Additionally, many ferns are frost-tolerant, so they can withstand colder climates.

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Features and Characteristics

One of the most common ferns, the Lady Fern has feathery green fronds that stand out in any garden. It typically grows to about two to three feet tall and prefers partial to full shade.

Growing Tips

Lady ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil but can tolerate a range of soil types. Water them regularly and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.

Uses in Garden Design

Because of its height, Lady Fern is often used as a backdrop in garden designs. It pairs well with other shade-loving perennials and looks great when planted in groupings.

Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)

Features and Characteristics

The Autumn Fern has copper-colored fronds when they first emerge, which then turn green as they mature. They typically grow to be about 18-24 inches tall and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Growing Tips

Autumn ferns prefer well-draining soil and regular watering. They will tolerate some drought once established but should not be allowed to dry out completely.

Uses in Garden Design

Because of its unique leaf coloring, the Autumn Fern is often used as a focal point in garden designs. It looks great planted near other perennials with contrasting foliage colors.

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum')

Features and Characteristics

The Japanese Painted Fern has variegated silvery-green fronds, making it a standout in any garden. It prefers partial shade and typically grows to be about 12-18 inches tall.

Growing Tips

Japanese Painted Ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern is especially beautiful when grouped with other shade-loving perennials with contrasting foliage colors. It looks great as a ground cover in shaded areas.

Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)

Features and Characteristics

Named for its cinnamon-colored fronds that appear in the spring, the Cinnamon Fern is an eye-catching addition to any garden. It prefers partial to full shade and typically grows to be about three feet tall.

Growing Tips

Cinnamon ferns prefer moist, rich soil but can tolerate a range of soil types. Water them regularly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern is particularly useful at the edges of water features or along streams. It also looks great when planted in groupings with other shade-loving perennials.

Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum)

Features and Characteristics

The Tassel Fern has glossy green fronds that grow in a tight, vase-like shape. It prefers partial shade and typically grows to be around 12-18 inches tall.

Growing Tips

Tassel ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern looks great when planted in groupings with other perennials with contrasting foliage colors. It also makes a great border plant and is especially attractive when used to line walkways.

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Features and Characteristics

Named for its tendency to remain green throughout the winter, the Christmas Fern is a hardy addition to any garden. It thrives in partial to full shade and typically grows to be between one and two feet tall.

Growing Tips

Christmas ferns prefer well-draining soil and regular watering. They are adaptable to a range of soil types and will tolerate some drought once established.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern looks great when planted in groupings with other perennials with contrasting foliage colors. It also works well when used as a filler plant in shaded garden areas.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Features and Characteristics

The Maidenhair Fern has delicate, lacy fronds that create a unique texture in any garden. It prefers partial to full shade and typically grows to be around one foot tall.

Growing Tips

Maidenhair ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. They can be temperamental and should be protected from strong winds and intense sun.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern looks great when planted in groupings with other perennials with contrasting foliage colors. It also works well in shaded rock gardens or as an accent plant near water features.

Shield Fern (Dryopteris dilatata)

Features and Characteristics

The Shield Fern has shiny, leathery fronds that grow in a vase-like shape. It prefers partial to full shade and typically grows to be around two feet tall.

Growing Tips

Shield ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern is great for filling in shaded areas and looks beautiful when planted in groups with other low-growing perennials.

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Features and Characteristics

Named for its large, ostrich feather-like fronds, the Ostrich Fern is a dramatic addition to any garden. It grows best in partial to full shade and typically grows to be around three feet tall.

Growing Tips

Ostrich ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. They can be invasive, so it's best to plant them in an area where they have room to spread.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern looks beautiful when planted in a large grouping along the edge of a pond or stream. It can also be used to add height to shaded garden areas.

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

Features and Characteristics

The Royal Fern has tall fronds that grow up to six feet tall, making it a striking addition to any garden. It grows best in partial shade and prefers moist soil.

Growing Tips

Royal ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil and regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Uses in Garden Design

This fern is great for adding height to shaded garden areas. It can also be used as a backdrop plant for other perennials with contrasting foliage colors.

Why perennial ferns are a great addition to any garden

Adding perennial ferns to your garden is a great way to add greenery without a lot of maintenance. They require minimal watering and fertilizing and come in many different varieties, providing unique textures and colors.

Tips for maintaining your perennial ferns

To keep your ferns looking their best, make sure to water them regularly and mulch around the base to retain moisture. You can also use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year to encourage growth. Finally, trim back any dead or damaged fronds to help your ferns stay healthy and vibrant.

FAQ

How often should I water my perennial ferns?

Perennial ferns prefer moist soil, so water them regularly, especially during hot or dry weather.

Do perennial ferns require sunlight or shade?

Most perennial ferns prefer partial to full shade but some can tolerate full sun.

Are there any pests that commonly affect perennial ferns?

While ferns are generally resistant to pests, they can be susceptible to slugs and snails. Keeping the area around the ferns free of debris and using slug control measures can help prevent damage.

Can I grow perennial ferns in containers?

Yes, many varieties of ferns are suitable for container growing. However, make sure the container has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system.

How do I propagate my perennial ferns?

Perennial ferns can be propagated through division or spores. Division involves separating a portion of the plant and planting it separately, while spores involve collecting spores from the underside of the fronds and starting them in a separate container.

What is the best time of year to plant perennial ferns?

The best time to plant perennial ferns is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and there is more moisture in the soil.

How tall can a mature perennial fern grow?

The height of a mature perennial fern varies depending on the variety, but most grow between one and six feet tall.

Do all types of soil work well for growing perennial ferns?

While ferns can adapt to a range of soil types, they prefer moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

How long can perennial ferns live?

Perennial ferns can live for many years, with some varieties living for several decades.

Do perennial ferns require fertilizers?

Fertilizing your ferns once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer can promote growth and keep them healthy. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to damage to the plant.