Hardy Ferns
Ferns are a diverse group of non-flowering plants, celebrated for their lush, feathery foliage. Found in a wide range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to temperate woodlands, ferns thrive in moist, shaded environments but include species adapted to sun and dry conditions. Their leaves, or fronds, vary from finely divided and delicate to bold and leathery, with shapes ranging from simple to highly intricate patterns.
Ferns are particularly valued for their ability to soften hardscapes, fill shaded corners, and complement other plants in mixed plantings. Popular in gardens and as houseplants, ferns add texture, greenery, and a sense of tranquility to both naturalistic and formal designs.
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Adiantum venustum
Himalayan Maidenhair Fern
Height: 6 to 12 inches tall
Width: Spreads slowly via rhizomes to form clumps
Foliage Color: Bright green
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Water Requirements: High -
Asplenium scolopendrium
Hart’s Tongue Fern
Height: 12 to 24 inches
Width: 12 to 24 inches
Foliage color: Glossy dark green, evergreen
Light requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Water requirements: Average -
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Regal Red'
Japanese Painted Fern
Height: 12 to 18 inches tall
Width: 18 to 24 inches wide
Foliage color: Silvery-green with maroon stems and veins
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Water requirements: Moderate to high -
Blechnum penna-marina
Alpine Water Fern
Height: 12 to 24 inches
Width: 12 to 18 inches
Foliage color: Dark green
Light requirements: Part shade to full shade
Water requirements: Moderate -
Blechnum spicant
Deer Fern
Height: 12 to 24 inches
Width: 12 to 24 inches
Foliage color: Glossy dark green, evergreen
Light requirements: Part shade to full shade
Water requirements: Medium -
Cryptomium fortunei
Fortune’s Holly Fern
Height: 1 to 2 feet tall
Width: 1 to 2 feet wide
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Water requirements: Moderate -
Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens'
Gold-scaled Male Fern
Height: 24 to 48 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green, upright fronds
Light requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Water requirements: Moderate -
Dryopteris dilatata 'Recurvata'
Weeping Broad Buckler Fern
Height: 18 to 24 inches tall
Width: 18 to 24 inches wide
Foliage color: Glossy, deep green fronds with recurved tips
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Water requirements: Moist, well-drained soil -
Dryopteris erythrosora
Autumn Fern
Height: 18 to 30 inches
Width: 18 to 30 inches
Foliage color: Copper-red, maturing to glossy deep green
Light requirements: Part shade to full shade
Water requirements: Medium -
Dryopteris x complexa 'Robust'
Buckler Fern
Height: 24 to 48 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Foliage color: Dark green, ruffled and arching fronds
Light requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Water requirements: Moderate -
Polystichum munitum
Western Sword Fern
Height: 2 to 4 feet tall
Width: 3 to 4 feet wide
Foliage color: Dark green, leathery fronds
Light requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Water requirements: Moderate -
Polystichum polyblepharum
Japanese Tassel Fern
Height: 12 to 24 inches
Width: 12 to 24 inches
Foliage Color: Dark green and glossy
Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
Water Requirements: Regular -
Polystichum setiferum
Alaskan Fern
Height: 24 to 36 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Foliage color: Soft-textured, glossy dark green, evergreen
Light requirements: Part shade to full shade
Water requirements: Average -
Polystichum setiferum 'Pulcherrimum Bevis'
Pulcherrimum Bevis Soft Field Fern
Height: 24 to 36 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Foliage color: Deep green, finely textured and lacy
Light requirements: Partial to full shade
Water requirements: Moderate -
Polystichum x dycei
Dyce’s Holly Fern
Height: 18 to 36 inches
Width: 24 to 48 inches
Foliage color: Glossy dark green, evergreen
Light requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Water requirements: Medium