Polystichum polyblepharum (tassel fern). The Poly Fern is a standard fern that prefers increased humidity and a warm climate. Required fields are marked *. In the wild, it grows alongside rocks and beneath dryland shrubs. Also, make sure you place the plant correctly (full-sun, shade, or part-sun). Plant the bird’s nest fern in indirect, medium to low light. Like the autumn fern, some varieties have new growth that emerges with coppery tones and turns red and purple in the fall. These are the lip ferns, Cheilanthes spp. Plant 18 inches apart, Zone 5–9, part shade to full shade And pay attention to how tall and wide the plant gets. It is common for a few fronds to die back and new fronds will eventually grow to replace the old ones. The fronds are long, slender and add a lacy finish to a woodland setting. "Our ferns grow well in this open sunny spot," says Dan Booth, head gardener at Brodsworth. Typically a shady woodland plant, it can live happily in nearly full sun if given enough water. We have several genera of dryland sun ferns including Astrolepis, Cheilanthes, Notholaena, and Pellaea. Common name: Wood fern, buckler fern, male fern Evergreen and semi-evergreen ferns help bring form, shape and texture to shady garden areas all year round. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)- The Sword Fern is one of the hardier evergreen ferns on this list making it low maintenance as well. The Japanese shield fern, also called a wood fern, is one of the most common types of evergreen ferns. Intriguing evergreen One of those intriguing ferns with two completely different kinds of growth, the evergreen fronds of the British native hard fern, Blechnum spicant, are long and slender and divided into opposite pairs of tough little dark green leaflets.The fronds that carry the spores are stiffly vertical and fade to brown as the spores develop. Your email address will not be published. Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium). Perennials and ferns for deep shade. These “bonus” ferns can easily be moved to other areas too. Deciduous shade tolerant trees. It’s like SGD got inside my head… saw the dream…. To get the best color, it should be planted in a spot that will let this fern get some sun (i.e. Large, glossy 1-2' long fronds on this evergreen hardy fern brighten up any part of the shade garden. Maidenhair ferns have a reputation for being difficult, but that’s not true. This South American native does just as well in the northern hemisphere. No matter the season, an evergreen perennial will add texture to the garden. Photo: Jason Jorgensen. This fern does best in full shade or partial sun and moist soils but will also grow well in or on a rock wall and in dryer than normal soils. Learn how your comment data is processed. … Perennials and ferns for dry shade. ). When other plants are dormant, this plant brings a little bit of color. Gardening in the shade gives an overview of the subject and an explanation of how to identify the different degrees of shade. Of the ferns, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) and Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Hay-Scented Fern) spread the fastest but are deciduous. Many Dryopteris are semi-evergreen (or wintergreen), which means they keep most foliage, especially in warmer areas. Its fronds turn to green in summer, then change to copper again in the fall. Grows better on alkaline to neutral soils. Ferns come in an amazing range of texture, color, sizes and and shapes. Your email address will not be published. Useful Tips To Make Your Everyday Life Just A Bit Better. Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum penna-marina)- This mat-forming fern only grows to be 6-15” tall and works well as a groundcover due to its spreading nature. When planted in the right place, they are some of the fastest spreading ground cover plants around. "We have species from most of the fern genera, and the … Polystichum munitum: Sword Fern Sturdy evergreen fronds that eventually form a clump 3-4’ tall and wide, forming sturdy, upright majestic clumps of fronds. This fern does well both in the ground and in containers and prefers full to partial shade with soils that have good drainage. Totally beyond expectations. If the area receives any sun, make sure it only gets some morning sunlight with shade during the remainder of the day. A Northwest signature plant, it is the most common fern in the region. You often see British native Asplenium scolopendrium growing wild – if … Sun: Part sun to full shade . This fern will get to be about 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide. Most ferns will also prefer moist soil that has good drainage. The golden fern is evergreen in its native habitat, which includes the Caribbean and the warmer and more humid parts of the southeastern United States. Quick, efficient. The leathery leaves protect them from nearly all fungus and pests, aside from an occasional slug attack. Its sword-like fronds can grow to be 4 feet long with glossy green foliage and its clumping form can spread anywhere from 3 to 6 feet. Blechnum chilense, Zones 7–9) is a rock-star evergreen fern that makes a huge impact in the garden. The dark green fronds from evergreen ferns provide arching foliage that livens your flower beds through the cold winter months. Chilean hard fern (Parablechnum cordatum syn. Polystichum munitum (Western Sword fern) One of the most hardy of the evergreen ferns that I have grown is the Western sword fern, Polystichum munitum. Add some of these attractive ferns beneath trees that bloom in winter or have attractive cold-weather foliage for interest at eye-level, as well as above and below. Dense and lacy dark green fronds have a varnished look. Polystichum has shiny foliage that looks good all year-round, but can be trimmed off in late winter to make way for the new, apple-green colored new growth. Valued for its coppery-red leaves that offer beauty all throughout the growing season. Red spores form on the bottom for even more color. Not only is it a good idea to grow evergreen trees and perennial plants for year-round interest and color, consider adding ferns to the landscape to create an eye-catching array of feathery fronds. It thrives in shade, but will tolerate some sun if it stays moist. Plant them at least 18 inches apart after the last frost in the early spring. These evergreen ferns can tolerate considerable sun if the soil stays reasonably moist but normally they grow in shaded rock crevices. Asplenium scolopendrium. Likes evenly moist soil. They are slow-growing, taking several years to mature in size and require regular watering. Autumn Fern (Dryopertis erythrosora ‘Brilliance’)- This fern’s most notable feature is its coppery pink new growth in the fall which matures into dark green. To 3–4 feet tall. For similar-looking evergreen ferns, try planting a Japanese holly fern or Cyrtomium falcatum. The more sun these sun tolerant ferns receive, the more crinkly the leaves are. It is the only one of the winter hardy fern varieties that prefers drier conditions, rocky soils and can grow in the sun. Christmas ferns are hardy in USDA zones three through nine and are named based on their ability to keep their dark green leaves all year long. To 2 feet tall. Their best attribute is adding texture, softness and even color to the garden--not all ferns are green (Ghost fern is silver, Lady fern has red stems). Do you have a favorite go-to fern for year round interest? Ebony Spleenwort is a small native fern that has some very un-fern-like characteristics. Boggy or damp shade (6) Dry shade (6) Dry sun (2) Exposed positions (1) Tolerate air pollution (3) Tolerates drought (4) Ready made borders. However, too much light and heat cause the greenery to yellow and die. for updates, tips, and gardening insights, Sublime Garden Design | Landscape Design Serving Snohomish County and North King County. Similar in looks to the familiar Boston Fern, this dark green, evergreen, native fern can tolerate rocky soil common to our forests. Plants (63) Product (3) Facing. It is best to plant this fern in full shade and moist, well-drained soils. Will not take full sun. and cloak ferns, Notholaena spp. While there are always exceptions, it is best to plant ferns in the shade so that they will be protected from the sun … (You will end up with free plants!) These are non-fussy plants that add tons of texture and color to your shade gardens. Labeled as Evergreen Ferns. The young fronds have a dark reddish tinge to them which mature into dark green. Year-round color is vital for every garden. Virginia Blue Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Polypodium pseudoaureum ‘Virginia Blue’) Photo Courtesy of Casa Flora. Our catalog features 100's of the best evergreen perennials for all purposes; full sun to shade, drought-tolerant to bog plants, flowering in all colors of the rainbow. Autumn Fern (Dryopertis erythrosora ‘Brilliance’). Some can handle a bit of sun (Cinnamon) and some dense shade (Leatherwood). Many of them are natives, well adjusted to the growing conditions of various Southern regions. This easy-to-grow, hardy fern is one of the most beautiful of all ferns in cultivation. These beautiful bright green plants are perfect for landscaping or to put into a pot as a hanging plant for your porch. Its foliage is dark green and the fronds look similar to holly branches. No spam! Some Dryopteris are evergreen and keep their foliage all year round. With our wet climate, ferns are relatively easy to grow and maintain, making them an ideal plant for the Pacific Northwest. It grows in a vase shaped form and gets to be about 2 feet high. We also carry exotic deciduous and evergreen ferns from our overseas plant hunting expeditions as well as the best native ferns...all nursery propagated. These are small tufted ferns with somewhat fuzzy, grey-green foliage. While there are always exceptions, it is best to plant ferns in the shade so that they will be protected from the sun during the hottest part of the day. How can one improve on perfection?” —Kristie B. However, several ferns thrive in desert environments where full sun and dry conditions are the norm. It is evident that a lot of forethought went into choosing that perfect specimen tree and/or accent pot for the space as the end result is so beautiful. Holly Fern (Cyrtomium fortunei)- The Holly Fern grows anywhere from 12” to 24” with upright and stuff branching. The Virginia Blue Rabbit’s Foot Fern does best in moist soil that has good drainage and pairs well with plants that have dark green foliage. They typically have deep roots and a rhizome, meaning the plants send out horizontal stems that help new fronds grow. It is quite touch, cold hardy, can tolerate drought, and various growing conditions. Evergreen ferns add year-round dramatic, sweeping textures and contrasting colors to your landscape. Search for "evergreen ferns" By type. Evergreen. The end result is beautiful. Some ferns reproduce quickly, providing groundcover for large areas in short order (Ostrich). A deciduous fern is on the opposite end of the spectrum. The bird’s nest fern has banana-like leaves and is native to southeast Asia, Australia, and Hawaii. Prepare the soil with organic matter such as compost, dried leaves, or cut grass. The word evergreen usually makes people think of plants with needle-like foliage. As long as these plants have plenty of water, they should thrive in your home garden. These dramatic and colorful ferns are perfect for flower beds in full to partial shade, and they make excellent plants for borders and controlling areas prone to erosion. Apply three inches of mulch around the roots to protect the plant. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Place them in well-drained soil fertilized with organic matter. Others, like royal and ostrich ferns, can tower to six feet. Sun or shade. The Autumn Fern adapts easily to wet or dry conditions after it’s been watered regularly in its first season of growing. under a tree with high branches) and in moist soils. A Northwest signature plant, it is the most common fern in the region. Divide or transplant ferns in the early spring and watch them thrive for years to come. It prefers sun spotted shade and well-drained, but moist, soils. One of the most unique looking evergreen ferns in the tassel fern. They thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Receive the latest Home & Garden Tips by entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously. Organized under Plants I Dig, Shade Gardens. Finding the perfect evergreen ferns means your home is surrounded by colors and textures that stand out throughout the winter. Divide them in the early spring and regularly water them. There are a host of small semi-desert, evergreen ferns that are specifically adapted to sun and drought. With our wet climate, ferns are relatively easy to grow and maintain, making them an ideal plant for the Pacific Northwest. If these evergreen ferns stood out to you, feel free to share this list of ferns that live year-round on Facebook and Pinterest with friends and family. The fronds form in clumps, arch over, and are bright, rich green in color. If the soil dries out, give it a good soak of water, and it should help bring your plant back to a happy state. New fronds begin by growing stiffly upwards, then droop down,looking fabulous in a hanging basket, but it can also be a groundcover plant. Jeweled Chain Fern (Woodwardia unigemmata)- New growth on this fern comes out bright red to burgundy to orange throughout spring and summer and matures to dark green and will stay green in our region all through winter. Fertilize the soil once a year with organic matter or just before planting. Under the right conditions, the Japanese painted fern grows up to 18 inches high. Sublime Garden Design is a full-service boutique landscape design firm serving Snohomish County, Seattle, and surrounding areas. When the seasons start to change, evergreen ferns can be your constant that will continue to look good throughout fall and winter. Evergreen perennials are year round workhorses. In places with high deer pressure, grasses, sedges and ferns are the safest bet. The Japanese painted fern is one of our favorites because of its silver foliage. They look superficially like parsley, forming tufted plants 10 to 30 cm high. Evergreen ferns do best if the older fronds are trimmed off in late winter or early spring, just before the new fronds emerge. They are effective in mass plantings, as borders, and as accent plants.Our ferns thrive in partialn and full shade. The Poly Fern is native to the Southen United States and parts of South America. Growing these eye-catching ferns from the spores can be a painstaking process, however. SGD surpassed my desires in every way. Ferns do not have flowers and reproduce by emitting spores. It can grow to a good size, one I have that has been in the ground for about 3 years has fronds 80 cm long but can grow larger. Without it, your home and garden look sad and dreary. Finding the perfect spot for these evergreen ferns is essential. They make excellent companion plants with hostas, bleeding hearts, and phlox and are deer resistant. More about us... “It was apparent within minutes of meeting Heidi and Kryssie that they seemed genuinely interested in helping me achieve the garden that I dreamed of… They listened to what I was saying. The name “ebony” refers to the stalk that turns black with age. They have developed many methods to survive in these harsh conditions. They lose their leaves in the fall and return in the spring. Ferns are easy to maintain, rarely suffering from pests or diseases. Sword ferns are another fern of the same species that looks similar if you can’t find a Christmas fern at your local greenhouse. Its 2 foot fronds are sometimes used in Christmas decorations. As with other perennials, the best time to plant is during the spring and fall when the rain is plentiful. The stems on the Maidenhair Spleenwort are dark brown and its fronds have small shell-shaped leaves that are green and leathery. Instead, purchase a lady fern at a greenhouse or use the rhizome to begin the growth process. Place individual plants about 30 inches apart in partial to full shade and soil with a pH range of four through seven. The fronds of these colorful ferns reach up to three feet long and spread four inches wide. The golden fern is an epiphyte, which means it grows best on trees. Zones 4–9, 14–24. Once they become acclimated to the outside, they will be a great addition to your container garden. Some fern plants grow in full sun and are known as "dryland or sun ferns." Virginia Blue Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Polypodium pseudoaureum ‘Virginia Blue’)- This fern has distinct icy blue foliage that will get its best color if planted in the light shade. On the other hand, semi-evergreen plants hold their leaves through the beginning of the cold winter months and lose them towards the end of the season. Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) and the Dryopteris species are evergreen but clumping, not spreading. and Astrolepis spp. Plant shield ferns in moist, well-drained soil. Can adapt to many different soil conditions, moist to dry. Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum). Lady ferns are native ferns with finely textured, light green foliage. Hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11, this evergreen fern grows quickly, reaching a height of up to 20 feet. Be careful not to overwater maidenhair ferns, or they may develop root rot. Affiliate Disclaimer: Tipsbulletin.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Japanese Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) – Basic Evergreen Ferns, Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Evergreen Fern for Hanging Baskets: Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris), Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum), Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) – Unique-Shaped Evergreens, Privacy Policy – GDPR – Medical Disclaimer – DMCA. It is good to know that the Alpine Water Fern can handle dry conditions with occasional watering and is one of the more drought tolerant ferns. Tassel ferns are hardy in zones five through eight. This plant prefers warm and humid settings and performs well if given proper shade and moisture. As it emerges and starts to unfurl, the new growth looks like fuzzy tassels and then flattens and matures into dark, glossy green foliage. and made it even better! Polystichum setiferum (soft-shield fern). It grows to be 12-18” and must have very well-drained soils. Christmas ferns prefer full to part shade but will tolerate a small amount of sunlight. Their feathery, wavy leaves make this fern stand out among its relatives, making it a fan-favorite for gardeners. Most ferns are slow growing and can take several years to reach their mature size. Autumn fern – Hardy to zone 5, it emerges in the spring with a striking copper color, earning it its name. The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) continues to be evergreen even at Christmas time.This is an adaptable species that will grow in almost any situation – shady, rich or poor soil, rubble or compost etc. Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum penna-marina) Photo Courtesy of Plant Systemics. Here’s a fun fact – evergreen ferns are either male or female. (Everett), (360) 863-3224info@sublimegardendesign.com, 2801 Bickford Ave, PMB 107, Suite 103 Snohomish, WA 98290. Southern Shield Fern even tolerates full sun throughout the range of U.S. zones (check each plant's Description tab for details). If the area lacks a male fern, some species of females can turn into males. While it can be planted right in the ground, the Jeweled Chain Fern will also look good planted at the top of a wall where it can drape down over it. Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes)- Looks can be deceiving with this fern’s delicate texture. Links to other 'plants for places' pages can be found at plant guides. It is often found on the cabbage palm in Florida. Shade or sun or something in-between, it is a statuesque, commanding presence. Autumn fern is root hardy in cooler regions, down to Zone 5 and evergreen in warmer Zones. This fern prefers moist soil but also survives if it dries out from time to time. Lady ferns prefer lightly shaded areas with part sun throughout the year. Limit the amount of fertilization you give these plants. Wavy cloak fern (Astrolepis sinuata, Zones 7-9) Here is a southwestern fern that can tolerant dry conditions and sun as well as partial shade. The native wild form of this easy and very useful evergreen fern. Jeweled Chain Fern (Woodwardia unigemmata) Photo Courtesy of Hardy Fern Foundation. Let us know in the comments! The leaves of ferns come in various shapes and sizes and are used for different purposes, such as container planting or for areas that need groundcover. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) Photo Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden. Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)- One of the biggest differences in this fern from the others on this list is that it has big, tongue shaped fronds. Evergreen shade tolerant trees. Provide partial to full shade and more alkaline soil. Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum)- The Japanese Tassel Fern gets its name from its new growth. Happy in damp shade but also in dry shade once established. Evergreen ferns are perfect for shade gardens or any other areas with full shade. Different varieties of the same kind of plant are suited to certain climates, so don’t ignore the plant label or description. Many spread or naturalize through creeping rhizomes, covering a larger area over time. When the seasons start to change, evergreen ferns can be your constant that will continue to look good throughout fall and winter. Cryptogramma or rock-brake ferns, are very hardy species (zones 2 to 3) from northern North America and Eurasia. When new growth emerges, it has orangey colored rhizomes that are fuzzy and will crawl on the ground to help it slowly spread. The fan-shaped leaves add unique texture compared to many generic ferns, like the ostrich fern. Height: 6″ to 20″. Chilean hard fern. November 4, 2016. This fern prefers partial to full shade and moist soil but it will still look good in warm, dry weather. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)- While this fern prefers moist soils, it’s also good to know that it can tolerate dry(ish) soils after it’s been established which makes this fern a good option for a low-maintenance garden. We hope this article sparks some inspiration with exciting options that keep your home full of color year-round. Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) Photo Courtesy of Patrick J. Alexander (USDA-NCRS Plant Database). First, make sure the evergreen shrub is suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone. – but surprisingly, it does not thrive west of the Rockies. Still, some evergreen plants have broader leaves that look beautiful among the snow and last throughout the entire season. For about 2 weeks, place your ferns in a cool, sheltered location and protect them from the heat and bright sun. As the name suggests, this fern will be green at Christmas time and its pinnae (the leaflets), look like stockings! If they start to whither, become droopy or change color, move them to a slightly warmer location until they recover. This list of winter hardy fern varieties has lots of perennial fern species you can use – tall ferns, evergreen ferns, short ferns and even a few ferns that will grow in the sun. While most ferns average between one and three feet tall and wide, some, such as resurrection fern, grow only a few inches tall. East (49) North (45) South (19) West (49) How much sun. Strap shaped, long undivided fronds giving the plant it's common name Hart's (deer) Tongue fern. Chilean hard ferns shield the base of this tree, growing several feet in the air. Because they are slow-growing, buying the largest size affordable offers immediate beauty. The upright, fine-fronded fern reaches 1-1.5 … This is a low growing fern (like the Japanese Sword Fern). Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) Lady ferns are native ferns with finely textured, light green foliage. Another fern species similar to these is Osmunda regalis or royal fern. The Christmas Fern has leathery, light green foliage and forms in a fountain-like clump. The arching, glossy fronds grow two feet tall and ten inches wide. Light shade (51) Shade (26) Sun (17) + Show more filters Special conditions. Here on our blog, we'll share our expertise, discoveries, and the gardens we love.