Wood Fern

Dryopteris

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.

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Light:

Part Sun, Shade

Type:

Perennial

Height:

From 1 to 20 feet

Width:

1-10 feet wide

Seasonal Features:

Winter Interest

Special Features:

Good for Containers, Low Maintenance

Zones:

3-8

how to grow wood fern

Propagation

Division

garden plans for wood fern

Shady Side Yard Garden Plan

Side Garden

Waterside Retreat Garden Plan

Lush Woodland Garden Plan

more varieties for wood fern

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

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.

plant wood fern with

Lady's mantle

Lady's mantle looks great in the garden and in a vase. Its scalloped leaves catch rain or drewdrops, making them look dusted with jewels. The chartreuse flowers appear in playful, frothy clusters above the foliage. Lady's mantle is ideal for softening the edge of a shaded path or creating a groundcover in dappled shade.

Japanese painted fern

One of the most elegant ferns available for your garden, Japanese painted ferns are washed with gorgeous silver and burgundy markings. Lady fern is equally elegant though not quite as showy. Either will add interest and texture to your shady spots. Closely related to each other, Japanese painted fern and lady fern are sometimes crossed with each other to create attractive hybrids.Unlike most ferns, these toughies will tolerate dry soil. And they will tolerate some sun if they have ample water.

Sweet potato vine

Among the most popular container-garden plants, sweet potato vine is a vigorous grower that you can count on to make a big impact. Its colorful foliage, in shades of chartreuse or purple, accents just about any other plant. Grow a few together in a large pot, and they make a big impact all on their own.Sweet potato vines do best during the warm days of summer and prefer moist, well-drained soil. They thrive in sun or shade.

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Patio Landscaping

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