A shade fern garden is a great idea for filling in spaces where other plants struggle to grow. They can add character, texture, and dramatic focal points under trees, between structures, and in wooded areas. Ferns may well be foliage only, but there is a great variety by species, including different sizes, colors, shapes and textures.
Ferns are the ultimate shade loving plants. While you can find some types of ferns that will grow in the sun, the vast majority are woodland plants that thrive in shade and love moist, rich soil. To make the most of a fern shade garden, sketch out a plan, create your design, then select the best ferns for your space and growing conditions. Here are a few pointers on how you can enhance even modest spaces with statuesque and cascading fronds
Growing the Ultimate Shade Fern Garden
The right ferns for shade can be as simple as planting a couple of types specifically selected to thrive in a shady area. Ferns make great perennial plants for shade gardens and many are naturally suited for tricky low-light conditions. That said, to truly create a beautiful space that makes the most of your shady area, it can help to plan a little. Work with the space, as well as your USDA hardiness zone, soil conditions, and any filtered light.
Select ferns that love shade, but also play with any naturally occurring features like rocks, wooden supports, trellises or arches, or water features. Aim for a variety of shade garden ferns that contrast well with each other for more visual interest, while working harmoniously in a subdued and light-deprived space. Here are some ideas to help you plan the perfect fern garden for your shady spot.
1. Play with Texture
Fern-like is a descriptor for a feathery texture. Most fern varieties have long fronds with smaller leaves, but within this standard, there is actually a lot of textural variety that you can utilize in shady spots. Choose a few different garden ferns for shade with different textures to play with contrast. If all the ferns look similar, your garden will suffer from a lack of depth.
Ostrich ferns, available from Amazon, have classic fern texture, as do lady and Christmas ferns. Set them against a sensitive fern, with its more solid fronds, a Japanese holly fern with its leathery texture, or a hart’s tongue fern with fronds that are nearly solid. Many ferns with varied textures are tropical, but gardeners in cooler climates can use them as annuals. Examples include asparagus fern, foxtail, maidenhair, and bird’s nest fern. You can buy foxtain ferns in containers from Amazon.
2. Add Color
Ferns for shade gardens are largely green, but you can create more visual interest with different shades of green, as well as a few types that include other colors. Stagger standard green ferns with more interesting colors in between them to create depth and visual interest. Ferns can make dynamic shade plant superstars if you layer the tones as well as the textures.
Japanese holly fern has leathery fronds in dark green, similar to the leaves on holly bushes. Japanese painted ferns, available from Burpee, have fronds that are variegated with green and silver and have purple midribs. Japanese painted ferns can seem to shimmer in low light, gleaming and elevating quiet corners. Autumn ferns, also available from Burpee, are named for the coppery reds that shift gradually to green.
3. Vary Fern Heights
In addition to texture and color, you can create variation and interest in your fern garden with different heights. Use shorter types like a groundcover, use the tallest ferns and backdrops, and mix medium-sized ferns in between the two extremes.
Ostrich ferns, available from Walmart, are a great example of a tall, classic-looking fern. Ostrich ferns grow upright and elegantly, reaching heights as tall as 5 feet (1.5m). Dixie wood ferns can reach similarly lofty heights. Short types of ferns include wood fern, Japanese painted fern, and lemon button fern. Lady fern plants, also available from Walmart, come in several varieties. You can get groundcover types and medium-sized lady fern plants for a low maintenance shade garden.
4. Add Other Elements
To create more variety and interest in your shade garden, add other elements. There are some easy ideas for backyard landscaping and fern placement that work directly with shade, using natural materials you may already have in situ. Rocks growing moss, for instance, will look especially lovely set against a bed of ferns. Let moss grow on the ground, too. It’s suited to the same moist, shady conditions as ferns.
If you have a shady area with a stump, you can create a dynamic space around it with ferns. Plan your fern garden around it, selecting ferns to place near the stump that will complement rather than overshadow it. Plant smaller ferns between exposed roots. You can even add soil to the top of the stump and grow small ferns there. Or, use epiphyte ferns on stumps or rocks. These are air plants that don’t need soil, and include bird’s nest, licorice ferns, and staghorn ferns, available from Amazon.
5. Use Hanging Ferns
Choosing ferns of different heights and sizes is one way to create variety and layers in a shade garden. Another way to do this is to place ferns in hanging baskets and elevated containers. Hang pots from tree branches, fences, or other structures in your shade garden.
Boston ferns, available from Amazon, are a classic example of container ferns that thrive with elevation. Their classic fringed fronds spill nicely from a hanging basket. Boston ferns are tropical, but you can move them indoors for winter. Other good choices for a hanging container include sword ferns and macho ferns.
Good hanging baskets just have to factor in ample drainage and adequate room for roots. You can buy 2-Pack Metal Hanging Planter Baskets with coco coir from Amazon. Add a slow release fertilizer with a balanced formula like Vitax Fern and Palm Feed from Amazon to prevent the coir drying out too quickly.
6. Create a Native Fern Garden
Many of the ferns that gardeners love are non-native (even tropical) ferns, but there are plenty of North American species of fern. Consider creating a native fern garden for your shady corner.
Maidenhair ferns, available from Nature Hills, are native to woodlands and grow in pleasant clumps. Maidenhair ferns will also grow in soil on rocks or in stumps. Native Christmas fern is a classic fern with an upright growth structure and deep green color. Cinnamon fern is another great option. Cinnamon fern, also available from Nature Hills, is named for the brownish fuzz that develops on stems and disappears as they mature. Fragile fern is a diminutive native species suitable for groundcover. Choose marsh fern or sensitive fern if your shady area is too wet for other species.
As you plan your shady corner, take into account the specific growing conditions of the shade garden ferns you choose. Most need shade, rich soil, and plenty of moisture, but there are some variations. Also, be aware of hardiness. Tropical ferns make great additions to shade gardens, but will be annuals in many gardens. The right choices and arrangements will help you create a beautiful shade garden.
Need more ideas for creative gardening ideas and seasonal expert advice delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter!
