Range: Ferns

Ferns are a diverse group of plants that can add lush, green foliage and textural interest to your garden. Here are ten popular ferns and the positions they thrive in and some of the ones we sell: 

Ferns for Shady Moist soils

1. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum): These ferns thrive in partial to full shade and appreciate consistently moist, well-drained soil. They are prized for their silver and purple fronds.

2. Dryopteris Fern: Dryopteris is the most commonly bought fern and versatile which prefers moist soil.

3. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris): Ostrich ferns do well in full to partial shade and require consistently moist soil. They are known for their large, feathery fronds.

4. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): Lady ferns prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil. They are excellent choices for woodland gardens.

5. Blechnum Spicant ferns can tolerate partial to full shade but prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil.

6. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis): Royal ferns thrive in full to partial shade and consistently moist soil. They are noted for their striking fronds and make a stunning addition to wet areas.

Ferns for Shady Dry Soils 

While many ferns naturally prefer moist or humid conditions, some fern species are more tolerant of drier conditions once established. Here are a few ferns that are relatively drought-tolerant:

1. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum): Maidenhair ferns prefer partial to full shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They are prized for their delicate, fan-shaped fronds.

2. Western Sword Fern (Polystichum): This North American native fern can handle drier conditions once established. It's commonly found in the Pacific Northwest.

3. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora): While it prefers moist conditions, the autumn fern can adapt to drier areas with some shade. It's valued for its colourful fronds.

4. Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium): Some varieties of spleenwort, such as the Maidenhair Spleenwort, are known for their ability to grow in crevices or rocky areas with less moisture.

These ferns offer a range of sizes, shapes, and textures, allowing you to choose the ones that best fit your garden's conditions and your design preferences. Remember to provide the appropriate growing conditions for each fern to ensure their health and beauty.