Ferns-Hardy

Ferns-Hardy

 Ferns are dependable, low-maintenance plants that add texture and interest to shaded areas of the garden. They thrive in places where many other plants won’t grow, making them especially useful for filling in spaces under trees or along north-facing walls. Ferns come in many forms, with fronds that can be fine and lacey, thick and leathery, or even variegated. Their attractive foliage provides long-lasting color and structure throughout the growing season, making them a practical choice for any shade garden.

Caring for Ferns

  • Soil: Ferns prefer moist, humus-rich soil. Work organic matter into the planting area to help retain moisture and provide nutrients.
  • Location: Plant ferns in cool, shady areas that are protected from hot winds. They grow well on the north side of buildings, under large pine trees, or in any shaded, sheltered area.
  • Moisture: Keep soil consistently damp but not soggy. Ferns do not tolerate drying out or standing water.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch once a year to improve soil texture, hold in moisture, and keep roots cool through the summer.
  • Climate Tips: In southeastern Idaho, protect ferns from intense afternoon sun and dry winds to maintain lush, healthy foliage.

  • Fertilizer: Ferns need very little fertilizer. Just make sure the soil is very rich and humus. Apply slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Never apply fertilizer directly to the fronds because it will burn the leaves, turning them brown

Fern Varieties for Southestern Idaho 

Name Zone Description
Maidenhair Fern
(Adiantum pedatum)		 Zone 3 This fern is very delicate with fan shaped fronds. The stems are shiny and black with light green lacy leaves. These are especially great for shaded gardens or under shrubs. It typically grows 12-24 ” tall and 12-18″ wide
Crested Lady Fern
(Anthryrium filix femina ‘Cristatum’)		 Zone 3 Fronds are bright green and grow on stiff stems. This fern grows 3’-4’ tall and requires full shade.
Japanese Painted Fern
(Anthyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’)		 Zone 4 This fern has arching fronds that are olive green with a metallic-grey shine. It adds a bright touch to a shade garden and grows 12”- 18” tall and 18” wide.
Ostrich Fern
(Matteuccia Pennsylvania)		 Zone 1 A vigorous fern with lacey, lance-shaped fronds that grow 4-6’ tall with fountain shaped clumps growing 1-2’ wide. It prefers semi-shade, lots of water and rich soil. It spreads rapidly and is the easiest fern to grow, especially for a beginner.
Royal Fern
(Osmunda regalis ‘Purperascens’)		 Zone 3 This is a unique fern with arching, leather green fronds with contrasting red stems. Grows 3’ to 5’ tall.

Fern Varieties

  • Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) Zone 3. This fern is very delicate with fan shaped fronds. The stems are shiny and black with light green lacy leaves. These are especially great for shaded gardens or under shrubs. It typically grows 12-24 ” tall and 12-18″ wide
  • Crested Lady Fern (Anthryrium filix femina ‘Cristatum’) Zone3. Fronds are bright green and grow on stiff stems. This fern grows 3’-4’ tall and requires full shade.
  • Japanese Painted Fern (Anthyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’) Zone 4. This fern has arching fronds that are olive green with a metallic-grey shine. It adds a bright touch to a shade garden and grows 12”- 18” tall and 18” wide.
  • Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia Pennsylvania) Zone 1. A vigorous fern with lacey, lance-shaped fronds that grow 4-6’ tall with fountain shaped clumps growing 1-2’ wide. It prefers semi-shade, lots of water and rich soil. It spreads rapidly and is the easiest fern to grow, especially for a beginner.
  • Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis ‘Purperascens’) Zone 3. This is a unique fern with arching, leather green fronds with contrasting red stems. Grows 3’ to 5’ tall.
  • Alaskan Fern (Polystichum setiferum) Zone 3. Flourishes in shady areas. It has narrow, lance- shaped fronds that grow 2’ long. The leaves have feathery, dark green leaflets. A very hardy fern that gives a tropical appearance.

  • Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) Zone 4. A native species with leathery, dark green fronds. Grows 12-18” tall.

With the right mix of moisture, shade, and rich soil, ferns can bring lasting texture and calm beauty to your garden. Whether they’re tucked beneath tall pines, lining a shaded walkway, or filling in cool, protected corners, these hardy plants reward a little care with lush, dependable growth year after year.