wood fern

Turn that shady spot into a restful, green landscape by planting wood ferns. Although some ferns can be picky, wood ferns are tough, adaptable, medium-size woodland ferns with bold texture. Some species are evergreen and others are deciduous. Other common names include shield fern and buckler fern. Like most ferns, it needs rich, moist, humus-rich soil with plenty of water.

Light:

Part Sun,Shade

Zones:

3-8

Plant Type:

Perennial

Plant Height:

1-15 feet tall

Plant Width:

1-10 feet wide

Flower Color:

Does not flower

Bloom Time:

Nonblooming plant

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders

Special Features:

Attractive Foliage,Winter Interest,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Crested buckler fern

Dryopteris dilitata 'Cristata' has delicate-looking fronds with a crest at the tip, giving the fern a lush appearance. It grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-8
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Male wood fern

Dryopteris filix-mas is a North American native that forms a 3-by-3-foot clump of fronds. It is hardy in Zones 3-8 and remains evergreen in warm climates.
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Garden Plans

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Shady Side Yard Garden Plan
Side Garden
Waterside Retreat Garden Plan
Lush Woodland Garden Plan

Plant It With

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Lady's mantle

Low mounds of lady's mantle is a perfect partner in front of taller wood fern.

Japanese painted fern

Create an intriguing mix of colors by mixing Japanese painted fern with wood fern.

Sweet potato vine

Give wood fern a colorful skirt by planting annual Marguerite sweet potato vine around its base.

Propagation

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Division