Athyrium 'Godzilla'
Who plants ferns? For the gardener looking to expand their woodland garden, ferns for shade are great additions. Most fern plants require light shade and evenly moist soils, although there are some that can also take full sun. Some popular types include the maidenhair fern, Japanese painted fern, and autumn fern. With a variety of leaf sizes, textures, and colors, the gardener can select a unique fern plant for their landscape. The maidenhair fern, or Adiantum, is often found as a house fern plant, but there are several that are winter hardy for outdoors. The maidenhair fern is considered easy to grow, and can thrive in deep shade or with morning sun.
The Asian species of Athyrium, also known as Japanese painted fern, are deciduous fern plants that are deer-resistant. The Japanese painted fern does well in well drained, moist soils. As the name implies, Japanese painted fern has diverse foliage coloring.
Dryopteris, or autumn fern, are fern plants that also display a variety of colors, especially with their new growth. These ferns for shade range in size from the smaller 18" tall plants to 50" tall. An autumn fern generally likes compost rich soil in the woodland garden setting.
Whether considering autumn fern, Japanese painted fern, maidenhair fern, or something different, there are plenty of options to choose from. Among the shady plants ferns can always provide beauty and interest.