By Alyce Goldman

There are few plants that you can add to your landscape and pretty much not worry about afterwards. The versatile fern is one of these plants! They come in many sizes, textures, light requirements, a range of moisture needs, and live for many years, if not decades. This plant also can be evergreen or deciduous, are rarely bothered by deer and have few pests or diseases.

Ferns evolved from the earliest vascular plants and can be traced back 350 million years. In these many years they have thrived in swampy soil, heavy woodland shade, in sunnier areas but with ample moisture, on rocks and on tree limbs. Because ferns grew in the shadows of giant conifers during the dinosaur age, they usually prefer indirect light. They add a grace to the landscape with their consistent green fronds, complement other shade plants, and provide excellent ground cover.

In the Mid-Atlantic region we have many ferns to choose from to suit the various conditions in our landscapes. Foliage varies widely – from petite dainty fronds to bold, crown-forming bases that rise to three-four feet. Some ferns are rambunctious and will fill their allotted space in short order but others may take a few years to attain maturity.

The majority of ferns appreciate soils high in organic matter, much like the soils found in woodland areas. Non-woodland soils can be enhanced with leaves, compost, or aged wood chips to improve the conditions for ferns.

Many ferns can tolerate some dryness once their roots are established, but most appreciate some moisture in a dry year. Most ferns are happiest in light to heavy shade but there are several that can take a west or semi-shade southern exposure. When planting ferns, don’t plant too deep and keep the crown 3-5” above the soil.

For a part shade to almost full shade area two native ferns that excel are the Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) and Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). Both are clump forming and fuss free once established but only the Christmas is evergreen. Both would be great for a year-round container mixed with Hostas and shade loving annuals.

If you have an area that retains moisture, the Ostrich fern (Mateuccia struthiopteris) or Royal fern (Osmunda regalis) are the ferns to use. These native ferns can also take more sun if the soil retains moisture throughout the growing season. Both are tall, substantial ferns that make a statement in the garden.

If something other than green is what you are looking for, Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) and Japanese painted fern ( Athyrium niponicum) will both add interest with their multiple colored fronds. The Autumn fern is truly a tough, versatile fern that can tolerate both shade and some sun while displaying its coppery new fronds. When mature and happy it can grow to 18” inches and usually retains its fronds through the winter for added interest. The fronds of the Japanese painted fern start with a silver base with the addition of hues of red, pink or burgundy. This fern is striking with other shade lovers that will pick up on the silver or reddish tint such as Pulmonaria or a red flowered Astible.

There are more than 20,000 types of ferns in the world with many native to the Northeast. Once you find the fern to match your conditions, your garden will enjoy the hardy yearly infusion of interesting texture and consistent green to balance other plants while not asking for a lot of attention.

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