Growing
Fern Nursery Owners Recommend These 20 Plants To Grow Alongside Ferns
IN THIS GUIDE Our Experts’ Top Picks 1) Hostas 2) Hellebore 3) Coral Bells 4) Forget-Me-Nots 5) Spotted Dead Nettle 6) Bluebells 7) Barrenwort 8) Bleeding Heart 9) Caladiums 10) Canna 11) Sedge 12) Wintergreen 13) Asarabacca 14) Ajugas 15) Strawberry Begonia 16) Geraniums 17) Astilbes 18) Japanese Mahonia 19) Corydalis 20) Joe Pye Weed References Ferns are vascular plants that are estimated to have around 15,000 species within their genus.1 These are moisture-loving plants that grow well in shaded areas and, if planted in the right spot, will make a relatively low-maintenance addition to your garden. “Many woodland plants look great with ferns, growing as they do in similar conditions,” Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly says. “These tend to be spring-flowering bulbs and perennials, which form a floral highlight that is replaced by the calming green of fern fronds.” I have ferns that return to my garden borders every year without fail – they need zero upkeep and spread prolifically (something to bear in mind, though they are easy to identify and remove). I never introduced them (they were already present when we moved in) but they will typically grow in the shaded area underneath shrubs and trees making them a great ‘space filler’ – and a complementary plant for areas that other plants might find difficult to grow. If you already have ferns growing in your garden, you may wonder which other plants would work well in the same conditions to create a beautiful display. Our Experts’ Top Picks We asked some experts from dedicated fern nurseries to share their favourite companion plants to grow with ferns. Neil Timm, Owner of The Fern Nursery, an award-winning fern supplier based in the heart of Lincolnshire, recommends a range of different shade-loving plants. “Ferns partner very well with naturalised spring bulbs under trees since they do not have overlapping seasons and, therefore, do not compete,” he says. “Spring bulbs start just after New Year and last until May, while most ferns start in May and last until Christmas. This sadly includes many of the so-called ‘evergreen’ ferns, which tend to be over by New Year. “By using spring bulbs, you can get twelve months of interest in the space under trees. “Also, any small creeping herbs, such as Creeping Jenny and Ajuga reptans, provide a cool root run for the ferns and their low stature does not detract from the fern’s shape.” We also asked Mark Taylor, the Owner of Alchemy Ferns, to share his favourite companions. “Ferns grow well with most plants but go particularly well when grown with hostas, grasses and under Japanese Acers,” Mark explains. “They also work great in mixed plantings with shrubs and perennials, working together to provide a contrast of textures and forms. “Alternatively, they can be grown alongside other shade-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, epimediums, or in a woodland planting scheme.” “Generally, shade-loving plant species will happily co-exist with ferns, but it does depend on the fern species,” says Kylie, Horticulturist at Verdigris Ferns, a specialist nursery based in Australia. “Personally, we have planted a lot of rainforest species with our ferns, but this is a personal preference and does reflect our climate and location. “In a European garden, these choices might be slightly different.” Hopefully, each of our growers has given you some ideas, but if you’re looking for more, there’s no need to worry. We share twenty of our favourite plants that can be grown with ferns to compliment their green foliage and that will thrive in the same conditions – as well as providing additional interest to your garden beds. 1) Hostas BOTANICAL NAME: hosta COMMON NAME(S): plantain lily HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Hostas love the shade, so are an obvious choice to grow with ferns right off the bat. Although they sometimes produce trumpet-shaped flowers in the summer months, these plants are mainly recognised for their stunning foliage which comes in a range of colours and hues. These versatile plants will make a great addition to your display of ferns, which can act as a serene backdrop to the additional subtle burst of (often variegated) colour that hostas provide. 2) Hellebore BOTANICAL NAME: hellebore COMMON NAME(S): christmas rose / lenten rose HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): winter SUNLIGHT: varies by type EXPOSURE: sheltered Also favouring the same growing conditions, hellebores are another great companion plant for ferns. They produce stunning star-shaped flowers in various colours over the winter months, with sepals instead of the usual petals, and can act as a great accent plant amongst the foliage of ferns. 3) Coral Bells BOTANICAL NAME: Heuchera sanguinea COMMON NAME(S): coral bells HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Not only do Coral Bells bear tiny tubular flowers from long, often brightly coloured stems in summer, but these plants also produce stunning leaves that come in a dazzling array of shades from deep purple to yellow and everything in between. These semi-evergreen perennials work well with ferns as they both adore the shade and will survive even in poor weather. Both prized for their year-round foliage, these two plants will bring interest to your garden beds with minimal care all throughout the year. 4) Forget-Me-Nots BOTANICAL NAME: Myosotis sylvatica COMMON NAME(S): garden forget-me-not HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Perfect for spring displays, Forget-Me-Nots can bring joy to any garden with their small blue flowers that protrude from tall green stems. Like ferns, they prefer a part-shaded spot and can be used as a ground cover plant to add a splash of colour at the base of taller foliage plants. Forget-me-nots self-seed regularly, so are suited to wildflower gardens or more natural planting schemes where ferns can also thrive.2 5) Spotted Dead Nettle BOTANICAL NAME: Lamium maculatum COMMON NAME(S): spotted dead nettle HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Spotted dead nettles are fully hardy perennial plants that are often found at the base of trees in woodland areas, due to their love for shade.3 They produce small pink or purple flowers on tall stems and heart-shaped fuzzy leaves that are more recognisable as the nettles that so many of us try to avoid. Despite their reputation, this plant looks great in natural garden displays and grows well with other shade-loving plants like ferns. 6) Bluebells BOTANICAL NAME: Hyacinthoides non-scripta COMMON NAME(S): bluebell / bluebottle / bell bottle HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: exposure / sheltered A staple for the British garden, bluebells produce blue bell-shaped flowers that make it easy to see why they got their name.4 Another shade-favouring perennial, bluebells are a natural companion plant for ferns, as their distinctive flowers provide colourful interest against their green foliage. These two plants would work brilliantly in a traditional English cottage garden scheme. 7) Barrenwort BOTANICAL NAME: Epimedium × perralchicum COMMON NAME(S): barrenwort HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: sheltered Barrenwort is an unusual herbaceous perennial that produces strange star-like sprays of flowers in spring. Although it can cope in full sun, it prefers a shaded spot in a sheltered location and is not too fussy about its growing medium – a great option for pairing with ferns. 8) Bleeding Heart BOTANICAL NAME: Lamprocapnos spectabilis COMMON NAME(S): bleeding heart HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Lamprocapnos spectabilis, better known as the bleeding heart plant, is a deciduous, shade-loving, hardy plant that sometimes produces foliage that is not too dissimilar to that of ferns themselves. However, the most special thing about these plants is the flowers, which are delicate and loveheart-shaped, often with a pink and white tinge. This stunning bushy perennial would provide some colourful contrast to the ferns in your garden as long as the growing medium is not acidic – something to consider when planting bleeding hearts in your existing displays. 9) Caladiums BOTANICAL NAME: caladium COMMON NAME(S): angel wings HARDINESS RATING: H1B PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Caladiums are beautiful foliage plants that produce large heart-shaped leaves that are often variegated in shades of green, pink, red and white. They bring an exotic flare when paired with ferns and look great as part of a jungle scheme, or if you just fancy adding a touch of the wilderness. Bear in mind that these plants are frost-tender so cannot survive winters outside here in the UK as ferns can – growing them in pots which can be moved indoors after the summer is generally your best option. 10) Canna BOTANICAL NAME: canna COMMON NAME(S): canna HARDINESS RATING: H3 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered With a hardiness rating of H3, canna is another plant that you will have to be mindful of over the winter months, which is something to keep in mind when choosing what plants to grow with ferns. ‘Stuttgart’ is a particularly well-suited variety for ferns – its large variegated cream and green leaves make this plant a wonderful statement for any shaded spot in your garden. Whilst its foliage is at the forefront of its display, peach-coloured flowers also protrude from tall stems in the summer and autumn months. 11) Sedge BOTANICAL NAME: carex COMMON NAME(S): sedge HARDINESS RATING: H5/H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: sheltered This evergreen perennial has a grassy appearance and is highly prized for its ornamental value in the garden. Sedges can be planted next to ferns, as they prefer a sheltered site in partial shade, also making them ideal for planting with other options on this list. Preferring clay soil, be mindful that this plant will not grow in dry growing conditions and, like ferns, needs moisture to survive. 12) Wintergreen BOTANICAL NAME: Gaultheria cuneata COMMON NAME(S): cuneate wintergreen HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Gaultheria cuneata is a dwarf shrub that bears small waxy leaves and white cup-shaped flowers during spring and summer. These small leaves would serve as a contrast to the large rigid leaves of a fern, whilst the flowers provide accents when the two are planted together. Favouring a shaded spot, this plant is a great choice if you want a companion plant that will provide interest all year-round in your garden. 13) Asarabacca BOTANICAL NAME: Asarum europaeum COMMON NAME(S): asarabacca / wild ginger / foalfoot HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered With glossy dark green leaves that are shaped like kidneys, asarabaccas make a wonderful addition to any shaded planting scheme. The rounded foliage is a great counterpart and contrast to the rigid leaves from the fronds of ferns, providing multilayered interest that would look great in a garden border or any foliage display. 14) Ajugas BOTANICAL NAME: ajuga COMMON NAME(S): bugle / bugleherb / ground pine HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Ajugas, typically used for ground cover, provide stunning foliage and pretty flowers that can look great as companion plants for larger trees and shrubs. With green, purple or marbled-leaved varieties to choose from, you’re bound to find at least one of these easy-to-grow cultivars to suit your fern displays. Make sure that, as with most plants on this list, you grow ajuga in moist but free-draining soil, as these evergreen perennials do not tolerate dry conditions. 15) Strawberry Begonia BOTANICAL NAME: Saxifraga stolonifera COMMON NAME(S): creeping saxifrage / strawberry begonia HARDINESS RATING: H2 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered The strawberry begonia plant loves shade and has stunning foliage that would look great amongst the leaves of ferns. As one of the most frost-tender plants on this list, it’s important to think about how you will care for this begonia plant during the colder months. It might be worth planting this perennial in a container with fern, so both can be moved into a sheltered winter spot. 16) Geraniums BOTANICAL NAME: geranium HARDINESS RATING: H6/H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial / annual FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Geraniums are popular garden plants that are easy to grow in beds, borders and containers. If you want to try something different, I’d recommend planting geraniums and ferns in a large container for a beautiful potted display that would look great in front of a house or garden fence. 17) Astilbes BOTANICAL NAME: astilbe COMMON NAME(S): false goat’s beard HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Astilbes are a favourite of mine and, although I’m biased, it’s easy to see why. Capable of growing in most conditions and returning year after year, this low-maintenance perennial will produce beautiful fluffy flowers in a range of hues on tall spikes throughout the summer. Not only will their flowers compliment ferns as companion plants, but their own frilly foliage will also look great in a leafy display. 18) Japanese Mahonia BOTANICAL NAME: Mahonia japonica COMMON NAME(S): Japanese mahonia HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): autumn / winter / spring FRUIT SEASON(S): winter / spring SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered A shrub that can grow up to 1.5m in height with almost double the spread, Japanese Mahonia makes a great companion to foliage displays that last all year round. This plant loves shade and is unfussy about the growing medium, making it ideal for planting with ferns. Although its evergreen foliage steals the show, this shrub also produces stunning yellow flowers from autumn to spring and even bears rounded blue fruits in the colder months. If you’re looking for a companion plant that has a bit of everything, Japanese mahonia is surely your best bet. 19) Corydalis BOTANICAL NAME: corydalis COMMON NAME(S): corydalis HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Corydalis plants produce dainty yellow or blue tube-shaped flowers that often grow in clusters in spring and summer. As they are relatively short in height, reaching no higher than 0.5m, these shade-favouring perennials could make a great ground cover plant when combined with the arching green foliage of ferns. In fact, their own leaves resemble that of ferns, with one variety, the fern-leaved corydalis (C. cheilanthifolia), getting its name from its foliage that is often mistaken for a true fern. 20) Joe Pye Weed BOTANICAL NAME: Eutrochium maculatum COMMON NAME(S): Joe pye weed HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Perhaps a more uncommon choice, Joe Pye weed should not be overlooked: this deciduous perennial produces clusters of beautiful pink flowers throughout summer and autumn that are bound to compliment the leafy green foliage of ferns. As a fully hardy and unfussy plant, Eutrochium maculatum can be grown in shade with your ferns and would be another great choice for a more natural garden scheme. These plants are also a great choice for a wildlife garden, as their foliage provides great shelter for animals and birds over the colder months. References 1. Yatskievych, G., Gifford, E. M., Wagner, W. H., Walker, W. F., & Mickel, J. T. (2023, January 17). Fern | Description, Features, Evolution, & Taxonomy. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/plant/fern 2. Perrone, J. (2017, December 1). Plant of the week: forget-me-not. The Guardian. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/apr/29/plant-of-week-forget-me-not-gatecrasher 3. Spotted dead-nettle. (2022, April 11). The Morton Arboretum. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/spotted-dead-nettle/ 4. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). (n.d.-b). Woodland Trust. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/bluebell/
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The Fascinating Fern Types Grown By Expert Nurseries And Garden Designers
IN THIS GUIDE Great For Shade Expert Chosen Varieties Suited For Wet And Boggy Conditions 1) Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) 2) Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) 3) Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) 4) Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Suited For Damp Shade 5) Aleutian Maidenhair Fern (Adiantium aleuticum) 6) Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis) 7) Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata) 8) Male Fern / Basket Fern (Dryopteris filis-mas) 9) Evergreen Maidenhair (Adiantum venustum) 10) Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) 11) Common Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) 12) Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) 13) Tree Fern (Dickinsonia antarctica) 14) Golden Tree Fern (Dicksonia fibrosa) 15) Table Mountain Fern (Blechnum tabulare) Suited For Dry Shade 16) Eared Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum ‘Okanum’) 17) Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant) 18) Common Polypody Fern (Polypodium vulgare) 19) Crested Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’) 20) Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) Advice For Choosing Ferns Uses In Forest Gardening References Ferns are fantastic plants that can find a place as valuable additions in many British gardens. Ferns are vascular plants that reproduce via spores – they have no seeds or flowers. Botanically fascinating, ferns first appeared in the fossil record around 360 million years ago.1 Many of the current families in this group of plants emerged around 145 million years ago.2 “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to really love my foliage plants,” shares Horticulturist and Author Val Bourne. “Ferns give me great pleasure and are probably my favourite plants in the garden at the moment.” “Ferns come in all shapes and sizes and provide a really tropical feel to your garden,” says Kylie Stocks, Horticulturist at Verdigris Ferns. Great For Shade One of the things that makes them so valuable as a garden plant for UK growers is that they are amongst the best plants for shade. Shade in a garden can sometimes be a challenge – whether it is a north-facing bed, or an area beneath mature trees. Create a fernery or just add a fern or two in a suitable spot… Ferns can often be fabulous plants to choose for such locations – allowing you to make the most of more tricky garden areas. “I love the calm atmosphere that ferns create,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “They are great for damp, shady areas but there are also species for dry shade. Let the conditions dictate your selection. Consider also variations in height and what other shade lovers you can use alongside.” When choosing ferns for a shady site, there are different types of shade, but there are ferns suited to all those different types. Ferns can be found which can cope with a wide range of different conditions and environmental factors. Expert Chosen Varieties We asked three of our expert fern growers to share their favourite varieties with us. “I love growing ferns as they are such a diverse group of plants,” says Mark Taylor, owner of the award-winning plant nursery Alchemy Ferns. “They can be either evergreen or deciduous and can range from ground cover to cover 6-7ft in height. There are also those that can cope with dryer conditions and some that can be in the sun. “As well as the more commonly known ferns that prefer damp or wet conditions, some ferns are also as happy in a container. Then, there are the tree ferns, that add that extra bit of height and glamour to a garden. Cyathea brownii “My favourite type of fern would be a tree fern as they are tall, elegant, architectural, eye-catching plants that make a real statement in the garden. “All in all, there is a fern for every aspect.” Another lover of the tree fern, Kylie Stocks is a Horticulturist at a specialist plant nursery, Verdigris Ferns, based in Australia. “I love the rainforest and the ability to replicate this environment in our own garden is very satisfying and provides a serene working environment,” says Kylie, when discussing why she loves to grow ferns. “I am very partial to tree ferns and there are quite a few different varieties available here in Australia. “They are so tall and majestic and provide a beautiful lacy foliage that really makes a statement. Blechnum brasiliense “I also love the Blechnum genus due to the vibrant red, pink, and bronze that you often see in new foliage.” For Neil Timm, owner of The Fern Nursery in Lincolnshire, ferns offer something special compared to other hardy plants. “I love the wonderful foliage effects of ferns,” he says. “Their great variation in shape, size and foliage, and the rich associations they have with mountains, forests and wilderness in general, is another reason I love growing them.” “Polystichum setiferum is my favourite fern to grow,” says Neil. Polystichum setiferum “It has everything you could possibly want in a garden plant. A compact, non-spreading habit with a strong bold shape and very fine foliage. “It can also withstand and do well in a wide range of soils, situations, and sun. It is a native, and perhaps the most evergreen of our larger native ferns.” So, has that got you in the mood for growing ferns? In the rest of this article, we explore twenty of the best types of ferns to grow in the UK. Suited For Wet And Boggy Conditions First of all, let’s take a look at some of the best ferns for very wet and boggy conditions: 1) Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) Lady fern is a naturalizing wetland plant. It prefers a moist site with moderately high atmospheric humidity. Especially shade-tolerant, these ferns are a vigorous deciduous plant that form clumps of lacy, bi-pinnate fronds. They prefer acidic soil (4.5 – 6.5 pH) but can tolerate more alkaline sites when plenty of leaf mould is added. These ferns are common throughout moist, sheltered woodlands in northern temperate zones. 2) Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Ostrich ferns prefer a pH between 5 and 6.5. They can cope well in wet sites, even in heavy clay soils. These plants are tolerant of shade and strongly dislike full sun. They make good ground cover when placed at a spacing of around 60cm. A highly ornamental plant, it has feathery fronds and establishes quickly. 3) Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) Royal fern prefers swampy or moist soil, and like the above, prefers acidic soil conditions. Unlike the above, however, royal ferns can also grow in full sun as long as there is no shortage of moisture in the soil. This is a large fern that forms clumps of fronds up to 2.5m in height. The fronds bear rusty brown spore-bearing pinnae at the tips, and the foliage turns a pleasing reddish-brown shade in autumn. 4) Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Like the above, Sensitive fern is good for cool, moist areas. It can also work well in boggy sites or play a role in pond-side planting schemes. It is another deciduous fern that hears broad, light green, deeply lobed, pinnate fronds up to 60cm in length. One thing to note, however, is that this fern may become invasive in smaller gardens. Suited For Damp Shade All of the ferns above are also suitable for a site that is not as wet, but is still rather damp. In addition to considering the ferns already mentioned above, however, you could also consider many other options. Here are some more options that are amongst the best ferns for damp shade: 5) Aleutian Maidenhair Fern (Adiantium aleuticum) This North American native is a deciduous or semi-evergreen fern with fronds around 50cm in length. The stalks are black, and adorned with green pedate divided fronds with oblong segments. Though hardy, they are sometimes also grown as houseplants. Naturally, they are found in moist soil near streams, often in rock crevices. 6) Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis) Characterised by their golden-green fronds, which grow up to 1.2m in length, Golden Shield Fern is a great choice for shade or partial shade. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in quite a wide range of soils and settings. As the plants age, the golden-green colouration grows to a rich green, with golden scales on the stems. 7) Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata) Robust and resilient, this is another fern that can thrive in a range of different settings. It is a semi-evergreen plant that forms clumps of erect or arching fronds that are dark green and strongly serrated. This fern prefers moist, cool, lightly shaded sites but will grow in full sun as long as enough moisture is available. Note: It can also cope with dry shade if watered well until established and mulched well. 8) Male Fern / Basket Fern (Dryopteris filis-mas) This is another sturdy deciduous fern. This one forms clumps of lance-shaped, bipinnatifid fronds that can reach up to 1.2m in height. It is similarly easy and has similar requirements to the broad buckler fern mentioned above. 9) Evergreen Maidenhair (Adiantum venustum) Evergreen (or almost evergreen) in mild areas, this fern forms a mat to a height of around 25cm in height. So it can be a great choice for creating ground cover. Its ovate fronds are made up of many fan-shaped segments. Often, these turn an attractive rusty-reddish-brown in autumn and winter. This is another fern that can, with the right approach, also be grown as a houseplant. 10) Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) This evergreen fern forms a rosette of 30-75cm arching fronds in a deep, rich green. Spores are born in transverse stripes below the fronds. This option will tend to grow well in any humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. It can also be somewhat tolerant to dry shade but only when watered well until establishment and mulched well. 11) Common Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) This compact, low lying fern can be planted within a rock garden or dry wall. It has pinnate, delicate fronds and blackish stems. It will do best where there is a humus-rich soil and plenty of moisture, and prefers alkaline or neutral conditions. Avoid planting it where it will be exposed to bright mid-day sun. 12) Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) This is a tufted evergreen fern that grows rosettes of lance-shaped green fronds with prominent rusty brown scales. It can reach around 1.2m in height. It likes a moist and humus-rich soil, but crowns should be protected from excessive wet in winter. 13) Tree Fern (Dickinsonia antarctica) If you are looking for a fern that will have a bigger and more dramatic impact, you may like to consider a tree fern. Dickinsonia antarctica is the most common tree fern. These are perennial evergreens, with stout brown trunks clothed in fibrous roots, with a large fan of pinnate fronds at the top. These grow slowly to an eventual height of up to 4m. They are evergreen, but may be deciduous in colder climate zones. They like a moist but well-drained fertile soil, rich in organic matter, but the crown should be protected from excessive water in winter. Winter protection will be required in all but the mildest of areas. 14) Golden Tree Fern (Dicksonia fibrosa) This is another tree fern that could be considered for some UK gardens. It can grow up to 6m tall, with a brown trunk-like rhizome and a fan of attractive fronds at the top. Again, these can be grown outdoors without winter protection only in the mildest regions. 15) Table Mountain Fern (Blechnum tabulare) While not a true tree fern, this option will eventually develop a trunk. This is another option that can be used to give a dramatic and tropical look in a shady and moist but free-drained area of your garden. Suited For Dry Shade Finally, let’s take a look at some more ferns that are amongst the best ferns for dry shade in the UK. All of the Dryopteris species mentioned above can also cope with dry shade as well as damp shade. And here are some more options to consider: 16) Eared Lady Fern (Athyrium otophorum ‘Okanum’) This fern is native to East Asia. It forms rosettes of arching, broadly ovate, bipinnate fronds that start out pale green in spring then turn grey-green later. Stalks and the main veins have a purplish hue. It can grow best in moist conditions but can tolerate a much drier spot in full or dappled shade. 17) Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant) This neat and tufted evergreen fern is another that can cope in dry shade, though it also likes moist shaded sites. It forms spreading tufts of narrow, dark green fronds with linear pinnae. This fern prefers acidic or neutral soil. 18) Common Polypody Fern (Polypodium vulgare) While usually found in damp shady spots, it can also survive quite well in relatively dry conditions. It can be great for shade below or on walls, or beneath trees. It has leathery, ladder-like fronds with knobbly spots on the undersides that are the spores. 19) Crested Golden Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’) Like the other Dryopteris on this list, this fern can cope with a range of different conditions. This particular cultivar is one that can be chosen for dry shade. It has attractive fronds that open golden-green and turn deeper green as they mature. 20) Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) Another adaptable, relatively low-maintenance fern, this option is prized for its brilliant hues. New fronds in spring have a striking reddish-orange colour. And these contrast beautifully with dark green mature fronds. These fade to green as the season progresses, then draw attention in autumn with bright red stores on their undersides. See more ferns for dry shade in this guide. This list is by no means exhaustive and there are many different ferns to discover, but the twenty options above are certainly amongst the best to grow in the UK. Advice For Choosing Ferns The most important thing to consider when choosing ferns for your garden are the environmental conditions. You may be tempted to choose ferns with reference first to the appearance of their foliage, and how they will look in your garden scheme. But first and foremost, it is important to make sure that you refer to the site itself, and choose the right plants for the right places. Typically, ferns in general are considered to be specialists in marginal habitats. This means that they can provide solutions to a number of planting problems or conundrums in your garden. Ferns can help vegetate shaded, waterlogged and boggy areas where many other plants will not thrive. They can be useful in deep, damp shade where they can add interest with their varied foliage, and be used in a traditional Victorian fernery, or in a mixed planting scheme alongside other plants for damp shade. Ferns can also be useful in tricky areas of dry shade which can also be challenging for gardeners. Uses In Forest Gardening Another interesting thing to consider is the role ferns can play in a forest or woodland garden. If you are not familiar with the concept of forest gardening, this is an ecologically sensitive and sustainable way to grow food and other resources. A forest garden is a garden that mimics a natural forest, but replaces typical plants with species that are of benefit to those who tend it, and to the system as a whole. Forest gardens include a wide range of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, roots, ground cover plants and climbers. Ferns can be useful as part of an overall planting scheme. References 1. Plant Evolution II: Ferns. (n.d.). SUNY Cortland. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://cortland.edu/waldbauer-trail/11-plant%20evolution-II.html 2. Jurassic Period. (2021, May 3). National Geographic. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/jurassic
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These 6 Dry-Tolerant Ferns Provide Vertical Accents And Fine Texture In Shade Planting
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Crested Scaly Male Fern 2) Soft Shield Fern 3) Common Polypody Fern 4) Hart’s Tongue Fern 5) Eared Lady Fern 6) Slender Crested Male Fern Dry Loving Ferns With Amusing Names Ferns & Eco-Friendly Pest Control References Ferns are plants which are loved by gardeners everywhere, thanks to their hardiness and their ability to bring colour and beauty to any shady spot in the garden. Fossils testify to the fact their ancestry stretches back 360 million years – and yet they have changed very little, if at all, since their initial appearance on this planet.1 These outdoor – and indoor – plants are tough in the sense they’re not prone to disease, brush off pests and don’t need much looking after (although there are potential exceptions – see below). In fact, all that’s really required is that you cut away the dry fronds to allow the new ones to get going. There are basically two different types of fern – evergreen (which retain their leaves all year round, unless there proves to be an exceptionally cold winter) and deciduous ferns which uncurl and announce their presence in our gardens in spring. And not all ferns like dry conditions either; some ferns favour moist growing conditions, while others are more at home in practically boggy environments. Of those that do tolerate dry conditions, they tend to prefer dappled sunlight via the leaves of deciduous trees, rather than being completely exposed to the intense mid-day heat. “All ferns need moisture in order to reproduce but some, like those in this article, have evolved to cope with seasonally dry conditions,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “I love dry-tolerant ferns because they can be used in shade that is moist and provides vertical accents and fine texture in shade planting.” Others are fine nestling in the ground at the bottom of a north-facing wall, while all will appreciate a little bone meal and leaf mould. They will also require a little watering in their first season, along with some mulch, at least until they’re past the initial growing phase. “It is important to try and choose plants from the garden centre that are able to tolerate dry conditions and will be more adaptable to the challenges of climate change,” shares Wes Shaw, a Garden Designer. In this article, we are concentrating only on ferns which prefer the dry spots in your garden – the areas other plants have, or will, shun. And here is a list of our particular favourites: 1) Crested Scaly Male Fern BOTANICAL NAME: Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE: SEMI-EVERGREEN UK NATIVE / RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT ‘Cristata’, meaning ‘crested’, this graceful king fern is capable of growing in both dry and moist soil, although it does best in the former. This fern is tall when fully-growing, reaching up to three-foot at its highest. The fronds should be cut back in the middle of winter. When flourishing though, appropriately enough, the crests on this fern are dark green and heavy, forcing the ends of the fronds to bend. This, in turn, makes the fronds appear to curtsey. 2) Soft Shield Fern BOTANICAL NAME: Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT A beautiful plant reminiscent of lace, the Soft Shield Fern’s fronds swirl upwards before tapering to a point around one metre from the ground. Some gardeners say the shape reminds them of a badminton shuttlecock which is green with brown bristles. An elegant evergreen, it flourishes under dappled light but should be given lots of space to allow it to expand into a large and luxuriant addition to your garden. This is an expensive fern to buy but can be found growing wild in Devon where it was discovered last century by a hedge-layer of the name Bevis.2 3) Common Polypody Fern BOTANICAL NAME: Polypodium vulgare HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN UK NATIVE A hardy evergreen fern, whose rather plain name, belies its pretty foliage. The fronds resemble a ladder with what appears to be pimples on the underside. It will reach a height of around 30cm and can certainly flourish unless you cut it back. Then again, it makes a pretty covering for dry soil underneath trees. 4) Hart’s Tongue Fern BOTANICAL NAME: Asplenium scolopendrium HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE: EVERGREEN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT A tough and shiny fern whose strap-like fronds have a spikey appearance, this interesting-looking evergreen has the capacity to withstand even a drought when planted in alkaline-heavy soil. It flourishes under trees and especially in forests where it grows wild – it will even grow out from a north-facing wall. Another fern which practically looks after itself, Hart’s Tongue only requires a little mulch now and again as well as a little snipping and tidying when spring comes around. It can grow to a height of up to 60cm. There are variations to the leaves such as ‘Marginata’ with its crinkly, serrated edges and ‘Cristatum’ with pretty ruffles at the tips of its fronds. 5) Eared Lady Fern BOTANICAL NAME: Athyrium otophorum ‘Okanum’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Also known as Auriculate Lady Fern, this plant enjoys a well-known love of dry soil. It is a colourful fern with very light green, almost yellow triangular leaves and a prominent red/purple stripe down the centre with ribbed veins. Originating from Japan, it can grow to around 80cm at its tallest. It suits most shaded locations. You’ll see it in spring, summer and autumn – before it takes a break for winter. Unlike a lot of ferns, this variety won’t spread. 6) Slender Crested Male Fern BOTANICAL NAME: Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Linearis Polydactyla’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE: DECIDUOUS RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Not your typical male fern, this rather delicate plant has long, arching but rather delicate fronds – to the extent it has an almost skeletal appearance. It is large though and will grow to a height of 60cm. A delightfully-named fern – which also goes by the term ‘Many-Fingered Male Fern’ – it looks particularly good beside thicker and bolder plants. Dry Loving Ferns With Amusing Names It is not just the varied textures and fascinating foliage shapes of ferns which have been delighting gardeners all these centuries. No, their often unpronounceable and amusingly descriptive names play a part too. Names, such as congestum, for instance, to describe a ‘busy’ plant. Then there is the fimbriatum (with its small fringe), or the crinkled lettuce-like leaves of the frizelliae, the arrow-like leaves of the sagittate and the scallop-shaped crenatum. Ferns & Eco-Friendly Pest Control Although ferns aren’t typically known for being bothered with pests, there are a few garden culprits to keep an eye out for with particular ferns. Slugs, snails, and caterpillars often have a fancy for the strappy fronds of the Harts Tongue fern, finding them highly edible. Crosiers too, can prove an interesting snack for garden herbivores. One proven method to deter them is to add bark and gravel to your mulch since this can often prevent them from reaching the ferns in the first place. You could also attempt to distract them from the fern by putting down beer traps and citrus peel. References 1. Fern fossils. (2013, December 19). Earth Sciences Museum. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/resources/fern-fossils 2. The Bulletin of the British Pteridological Society. (n.d.). British Pteridological Society. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://ebps.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Bulletin2010pt1_Final2_BW_A4.pdf
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