Ferns bring a lush, jungle-like vibe to the garden—choose your favorite from these hardy and easy-care species
Different fern varieties bring beauty to shady and partially shaded gardens. Some species thrive by the water, and some can be grown in rock gardens as well. Choose your favorite and bring some ambiance to your garden!
Ferns are easy to care for and hardy perennial wild plants. They bring a vibrant green color to a forest garden [in Finnish], nature-inspired garden [in Finnish]and plant groupings in shady [in Finnish] spots. Ferns also work well in a Japanese garden, rock garden, or near water features.
Plant ferns in fresh or moist, nutrient-rich soil in partial or full shade. Some fern varieties, like the ostrich fern, thrive in humus-rich, nutrient-dense soil. Others, like the common polypody, flourish in sandy soil. Water ferns thoroughly at planting and keep the soil moist during the first growing season. You can protect the plants for winter using conifer branches.
Different fern varieties to grow in your garden:
Ostrich fern
The impressive and tall ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a popular perennial fern found all across Finland. It’s especially striking when grown near a water feature, forming tall, lush stands. It also adds a refreshing green backdrop to perennial beds. This fern does well throughout the country in moist or fresh soil. The ostrich fern spreads by spores and by rhizomes creeping underground. You can propagate it in spring by dividing or from its rhizomes. In spring, cut away any dead fronds from the previous year.
Height: 100–150 cm
Hardiness: very hardy
Northern maidenhair fern
The northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is low-growing and hardy, an excellent choice for planting beneath rhododendrons or conifers. With its fine, unusually beautiful leaves, it has a remarkably airy appearance. The northern maidenhair fern requires a shady location and humus-rich, acidic soil that remains consistently moist.
Height: 30–40 cm
Hardiness: very hardy
Male fern
The male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) is a striking, lush fern that works well as a background plant in perennial beds. In nature, it grows among rocks or at the base of cliffs in pine forests and slopes. It tolerates slightly brighter and drier conditions than many other ferns. Plant it in fresh or dryish soil. It’s easy to propagate this fern by division.
Height: 80–100 cm
Hardiness: hardy
Soft shield fern
The soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) is a compact, low-growing fern that thrives in a sheltered spot in a shady garden bed. It also works well as an underplanting for shrubs in shaded areas, such as rhododendrons, because it tolerates acidic soil. Its very dense, ruffled, and soft fronds give it high ornamental value. Plant in humus-rich, well-draining soil. Provide light winter protection with conifer branches.
Height: 25–40 cm
Hardiness: fairly hardy
Japanese painted fern
The Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) has unique coloration and striking beauty. Its silver, purple, and burgundy hues are most vivid in early summer. The Japanese painted fern grows well in a shady location, for example beneath taller species or as an edging plant in a container. Plant in moist but well-draining, nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil. There are several cultivars available; pictured is ‘Pictum.’
Height: 30–45 cm
Hardiness: hardy
Common polypody
The common polypody (Polypodium vulgare) is a low-growing, sturdy native fern that stays green year-round. In nature, its evergreen fronds adorn mossy stones and cliff faces throughout the country. You can also grow the common polypody in the garden, in a rocky crevice in partial or full shade. It can also look stunning on an old, hollowed-out tree stump. The soil should be well-draining, sandy, and slightly acidic.
Height: about 10–20 cm
Hardiness: hardy
