15 Best Ferns for a Shady Garden

Ferns are unique plants that have been around for millions of years. They’re known for their lush, feathery fronds and ability to thrive in the shade, making them perfect for shady gardens. If you have a garden with limited sunlight, adding ferns can create a peaceful, green oasis. Here are the 15 best ferns to consider for your shady garden.

1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are classic houseplants, but they do just as well outdoors in a shady garden. Their bright green, arching fronds add a soft, elegant touch. They prefer moist soil and regular watering.

2. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)

Maidenhair ferns have delicate, fan-shaped leaves on black stems. They need consistently moist soil and shade to thrive. These ferns are perfect for adding a graceful, airy texture to your garden.

3. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

This fern is known for its striking silver and purple fronds. It adds a splash of colour to shady spots and is relatively easy to care for. Japanese-painted ferns prefer well-drained, moist soil.

4. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Lady ferns are tall, elegant plants with finely divided fronds. They can grow in various soil types as long as they have plenty of shade and moisture. Their bright green colour stands out in any shady garden.

5. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

The ostrich fern is named for its tall, feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. This fern can grow large, making it great for filling large shady areas. It likes moist, rich soil and can tolerate some sun if it is wet.

6. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Christmas ferns are evergreen, meaning they stay green throughout the winter. Their leathery, dark green fronds provide year-round interest, and they’re very easy to grow, even in dry, shady areas.

7. Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)

Cinnamon ferns are named for the cinnamon-coloured fronds they produce in spring. They prefer wet, shady areas, perfect for spots near ponds or streams. They can grow quite tall, adding height to your garden.

8. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)

The autumn fern gets its name from the coppery-red colour of its new fronds, which turn green as they mature. This fern is easy to grow and can handle more sun than most ferns, as long as the soil is moist.

9. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)

Royal ferns have large, airy fronds reaching up to 5 feet tall. They prefer very wet conditions and can grow in standing water, making them perfect for boggy areas. Their fronds turn a lovely yellow in the fall.

10. Wood Fern (Dryopteris spp.)

Wood ferns are tough and easy to grow. They can tolerate dry shade, making them a good choice for areas under trees. Their fronds are leathery and can vary in colour from bright green to dark green.

11. Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

Holly ferns get their name from their glossy, holly-like fronds. They’re evergreen and can handle drier conditions than most ferns, making them a great choice for shaded areas with less moisture.

12. Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)

This unique fern has long, undivided fronds that resemble tongues, hence the name. It’s an excellent choice for adding an unusual texture to your garden. Hart’s tongue fern prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

13. Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum)

Shield ferns are known for their soft, feathery fronds. They’re evergreen and can tolerate dry conditions once established. Shield ferns are perfect for adding a soft, lush look to shady areas.

14. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Button ferns have small, round leaflets along their fronds, giving them a unique appearance. They’re great for ground cover in shady areas and are relatively easy to care for as long as they have moist, well-drained soil.

15. Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis)

Leatherleaf ferns are hardy, evergreen ferns with tough, leathery fronds. They’re often used in flower arrangements but also make a great addition to a shady garden. They can tolerate a range of conditions but prefer moist, shady spots.

Conclusion

Ferns are beautiful plants for shady gardens. They bring a lush, green beauty that many other plants can’t match. By choosing the right ferns for your garden, you can create a peaceful, beautiful space that thrives even in low light. Whether you’re looking for something tall and dramatic or small and delicate, there’s a fern that’s perfect for your garden.