Garden Ferns – Hardy & Evergreen Fern Plants

A small courtyard pot and a spacious woodland border call for different ferns. Discover compact Korean rock fern, larger Dryopteris and Polystichum, and tree ferns that bring height to the planting. Choose foliage that stays green through winter, varieties that return with new fronds each spring, or the copper shades of ‘Brilliance’. Check each plant’s mature size and growing preferences to find the right match for your garden.
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For a smaller border or patio pot

A small courtyard pot and a spacious woodland border call for different ferns. Discover compact Korean rock fern, larger Dryopteris and Polystichum, and tree ferns that bring height to the planting. Choose foliage that stays green through winter, varieties that return with new fronds each spring, or the copper shades of ‘Brilliance’. Check each plant’s mature size and growing preferences to find the right match for your garden.

For height and generous foliage

Choose Dryopteris affinis, Dryopteris filix-mas or Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata The King’. These develop into substantial plants, so check their mature dimensions and leave room for the fronds to open out.

For greenery through winter

Look at evergreen options such as Asplenium scolopendrium, Blechnum spicant and Polystichum polyblepharum. Their foliage helps maintain the shape of a border when deciduous plants have died back, although severe weather can damage older fronds.

For a drier shaded spot

Established Polypodium vulgare, Dryopteris filix-mas and Dryopteris affinis can tolerate some dry shade. They still need regular watering while settling in, especially beneath trees where roots compete for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all ferns need shade? +

Many garden ferns suit partial or full shade, but their tolerance of sunlight varies. Some Dryopteris can grow in sunnier positions if moisture is plentiful. For an exposed, sunny site, check the individual variety rather than assuming every fern will cope.

Which ferns stay green in winter? +

Hart’s tongue fern, hard fern and Japanese tassel fern are evergreen choices. Semi-evergreen varieties retain more or less foliage depending on conditions. Deciduous ferns, including Dryopteris filix-mas and ‘Linearis Polydactyla’, lose their fronds for winter and produce fresh growth in spring.

Can I grow ferns in containers? +

Yes. Choose a pot with drainage holes and enough room for the plant’s mature root system. Compact ferns are especially useful for smaller patios. Keep the compost moist without leaving the pot standing in water, and check it regularly during dry weather.

Will ferns grow beneath trees? +

Many will, provided there is enough space and moisture. Soil beneath an established tree can be surprisingly dry, so water new plants carefully and add a surface mulch of leaf mould. Avoid damaging tree roots when planting.

Should I cut my fern back? +

Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed. With deciduous ferns, clear away old growth before the new fronds emerge. Evergreen ferns usually need selective tidying; healthy green foliage does not need to be removed simply because winter has ended.

Why are my fern’s fronds turning brown? +

Possible causes include dry roots, strong sunshine, wind damage or the natural ageing of older fronds. Deciduous ferns also turn brown as they become dormant. Check the soil moisture and the plant’s seasonal habit before changing its care.