Ferns are a fantastic type of plant that thrive in shady spots which is one reason they are so popular.
They are also known for their pollutant-removing ability from the air, so make wonderful house plants.
However, there are so many different types, so if you’re looking to create a stunning and resilient fern garden then you’ve come to the right place.
1 – Hay Scented Fern
Hay-scented fern species are a wonderful option for winter hardy ferns. They are very resilient as they thrive in part or full shade.
Ultimately, while this will grow to around 30 inches, it does not matter what type of soil, even drier conditions will allow it to grow well.
However, be aware this fern can be quite aggressive; so it may be wise not to plant it amongst other plants.
This fern derives its name from the fact that when you cut off the fronds, they smell like freshly baled hay.
2 – Japanese Painted Fern
If you want a fern that will give your garden aesthetic a boost, the Japanese painted fern is hard to beat.
This type of fern has fronds with colors like burgundy and silvery or even pink and blue.
It is a smaller type of fern, up to about 15 inches, but it can grow in many conditions and is drought tolerant.
It will grow in full shade, but you will see the best color if given a little morning sun.
3 – Holly Fern
The holly fern receives its name because of how its fronds resemble the holly plant’s fronds.
This fern is a medium-sized fern that will grow to approximately 30 inches depending on your conditions.
The holly fern does very well in the growing zones of 6 to 10 in either full shadow or part shadow.
When you live in a coastal area, you will find the holly fern very tolerant to coastal conditions.
The holly fern is a great addition to your border plants, as it also provides great ground cover.
4 – Northern Maidenhair Fern
The Northern Maidenhair fern is a native fern that thrives in moist, but not soggy soil.
Of all the ferns on this list, it is a little less forgiving as it doesn’t like to be left wet, but it also can’t be allowed to dry out.
If you are looking for a plant that will tolerate some neglect, the plant may not be for you.
The Northern Maidenhair is a striking fern whose leaves grow in green and black contrasting one another nicely.
Give it full sun or part shade and it will grow just as fast as any other ferns on this list (will grow to about 24”).
5 – Southern Maidenhair Fern
Another type of maidenhair fern is the southern maidenhair fern. It is a little smaller with a maximum height of 20 inches and is slightly hardier than the northern variety.
It is resistant to animals like deer, prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate part to full shade.
The southern maidenhair fern is a lovely looking plant and can be found growing wild in limestone.
This means that many people choose it for rockeries but it also works well as a ground cover plant. Just make sure that it stays watered.
6 – Interrupted Fern
The interrupted fern is adaptable and will do well in either full shade or full sun, so it doesn’t matter where you put it.
It’s also one of the larger ferns on this list at 40 inches in height.
The interrupted fern has leaflets that carry spores at the start of summer and is highly fertile.
This native plant is versatile and very similar to the cinnamon fern, which we’ll examine later.
7 – Male Fern
Another tall fern is the male fern, which will grow to approximately 60 inches in height, and will grow well in zones 6-8.
It does need a reasonable amount of water so you don’t want to let it dry out completely, and although it is quite easy to care for, you will want to provide the male fern with some protection from the wind.
The male fern is an evergreen fern.
They are only semi-evergreen in colder areas but that’s still good enough! Male ferns are great for clay soil, and that can be a tough condition for plants to survive!
8 – Japanese Tassel Fern
Another semi-evergreen variety of fern is the Japanese tassel fern, which is excellent for your gardens as it’s not overly aggressive.
In addition, if you happen to have issues with wildlife like deer and rabbits, it’s resistant to them.
It is a small to medium-sized fern, not growing larger than 36″ but has a distinctive look with its fronds having copious hued hairs.
Plant in part shade or full shade and your plant will thrive.
9 – Autumn Fern
The autumn fern brings color to the garden year round, contributing to its reputation as one of the most popular hardy fern types.
This fern is best suited for zones 4 to 9 and is capable of being planted in both full and part shade.
The fronds tend to have a frilly texture and the color is a rusty pink color, making them one of the better looking varieties on the list.
This color changes during the season, turning a dark bronze color in fall.
10 – Broad Beech Fern
A hardy fern, the broad beech fern, is a smaller variety that grows to only 24 inches tall.
The broad beech fern is useful because this fern will grow quite rapidly, so if you are looking for coverage quickly, it is an appropriate choice too.
However, you should keep in mind that the broad beech fern does not fare as well in winter and will die back some.
The broad beech fern also grows in a somewhat unusual way, especially for ferns.
It has long rhizomes that grow underground which sends the fern up to grow single fronds along their entire length.
11 – Southern Shield Fern
The southern shield fern features vibrant green fronds and is one of the more classic fern looks that is represented on this list.
It is deer resistant and does well in a number of situations including high humidity and heat which make it perfect for zones 6 to 9.
The southern shield fern maxes out around 36 inches, making it a great choice if you are looking for a ground cover plant.
However, be aware that it is susceptible to frost damage.
12 – Royal Fern
For a fern that grows to a massive size, look no further than the royal fern reaching sizes of 72 inches.
Not only does this fern get large, it is also incredibly attractive with its delicate green fronds with slight silver to them.
This fern has a hardiness range from zone 3 to zone 9 and does well in the sun as long as it’s watered well.
What’s even cooler is that this fern is done for water. Not only will they survive well when submerged, it will thrive.
13 – Ebony Spleenwort
Next in line, we have a much smaller and hardier fern species, the ebony spleenwort.
Upon glancing at the fern, it may not look quite like a fern and doesn’t always behave like one either, but it is a fern species.
The the spleenwort will grow in all sorts of conditions from full sun and part shade, and despite its hardy nature, it will do well in zones 3 to 8.
The spleenwort as a fern also thrives in drier soil, as well as rocky areas which help the plant drain moisture as needed.
As the plant matures, the stems will change to a deep black shade, which is how the fern gets its name.
14 – Marginal Wood Fern
The marginal wood fern has very deep gray green fronds that feel leathery to the touch.
It’s good for smaller places and spaces because it won’t take off and will only grow to about 24 inches at its most.
The best part is that this is an evergreen fern so it adds a splash of color all year long and requires very little maintenance.
15 – Western Sword Fern
The western sword fern is better planted in the larger spaces as it can achieve heights up to seventy-two inches.
It’s also very hardy and an excellent choice for arid areas since it tolerates dry soil well.
This does not apply to youthful plants and they should be established before hitting this resistance point.
The western sword fern is suitable for the outskirts of part sun and full shade and it has lovely glossy dark leaves that are nice to see.
16 – Korean Rock Fern
If you are seeking a smaller fern and don’t want to give up space for a humongous thing, you will want to consider the Korean rock fern that will only grow to 15 inches, but usually, only 10 inches.
This means it works beautifully as a border plant mixed in with all the other plants.
Korean rock ferns grow in USDA zones 7 to 9. Also, they can be toxic to pets, so make sure they cannot get close.
They are a pretty fern with vibrantly green colored leaves that may shine in the light.
17 – Ostrich Fern
Seeking a fern that will bring some panache?
The ostrich fern grows to 72 inches tall and introduced a tropical feel to your garden.
It is classified as a winter fern, which means it’s hardy and low-maintenance.
That said, homeowners must remember that these types of ferns can be a little aggressive, so consider giving them plenty of space.
18 – Christmas Fern
Growing to an approximate height of 36 inches, the Christmas fern is classified as a mid-sized fern with an attractive dark appearance that will not fade as the seasons pass.
It gets its name from its evergreen nature and can be grown in any location but performs best in full or part shade.
The Christmas fern will not take over the area in which it is grown making it a great border plant that will not compete with anything growing nearby.
The Christmas fern is rabbit and deer resistant as well and will tolerate drought better than many fern varieties.
19 – Southern Wood Fern
Compared to many ferns on this list, the southern wood fern has a lighter color of frond, and is also much more bushy than some of the others.
This fern does well in zones 6 to 10, but does prefer wet soil and humidity.
This fern is considered moderately sized, and will only reach a maximum height of 48 inches, with about 36 being average.
One of the most popular characteristics of this fern, is how well it provides ground cover.
20 – Lady Fern
Lady ferns are large ferns that will grow to as much as 60” tall when properly cared for.
There are different sub types of this fern that do well in the northern and southern parts of the country respectively so the one suitable to your region should be chosen.
This fern wants part or full shade but with a caveat as they are not drought tolerant,
If you want your plant to thrive you will need a very strict watering schedule.
21 – Cinnamon Fern
The final variety of a hardy fern in our list is the cinnamon fern, a somewhat tall fern, growing to six if the conditions are right.
It will need plenty of water and likes wet soil.
The high green fronds and fiddlehead will give your garden a nice pop of color.
The cinnamon fern is tolerant of many different positions it could be grown in, if you need to try the amateur version of growing in either full sun or full shade will still produce great results.
The cinnamon fern is extra interesting as it can grow underneath the black walnut tree as well, most plants will thrive to grow underneath black walnut so this also goes for the cinnamon fern.
Conclusion
Ferns are wonderful in shady gardens or in rocks, and there are so many different kinds.
You’ll want one that is hardy and can tolerate different conditions, like you see in this list.