Some plants demand attention. Ferns?
They whisper elegance. With their feathery fronds and effortless charm, ferns bring a touch of ancient beauty to any garden.
They don’t need flashy flowers or bold colors to make a statement—just a little shade, some moisture, and they’ll flourish for years. From delicate, lacy varieties to bold, architectural stunners, ferns know how to fill a space with texture and movement.
Whether nestled in a woodland retreat or spilling over the edges of a shaded patio, they create an atmosphere that feels both wild and refined. Ready to find the perfect fern for your garden?
These 24 timeless varieties are waiting to transform your space.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are a popular choice for gardeners, thanks to their feathery fronds and vibrant green hue. They thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for bathroom displays or shaded garden spots.
To keep them healthy, ensure consistent moisture and occasional misting. In colder climates, bring them indoors during winter.
Maidenhair Fern
The Maidenhair Fern captivates with its delicate, fan-shaped leaflets that flutter with the slightest breeze. Preferring indirect sunlight and high humidity, it can be a bit finicky but rewards with stunning grace.
Ideal for adding a soft touch to rock gardens or as an indoor feature in a well-lit room.
Royal Fern
The Royal Fern stands out with its broad and regal fronds reaching impressive heights. Tolerant of various soil types, it flourishes in damp conditions, often near ponds or streams.
This fern is perfect for creating a majestic backdrop in larger gardens or as a focal point in natural landscapes.
Ostrich Fern
Ostrich Ferns are known for their tall, plume-like fronds reminiscent of ostrich feathers. Thriving in shaded, moist areas, they’re excellent for borders or as part of a woodland garden.
These ferns also produce edible fiddleheads in spring, offering a unique treat for adventurous gardeners.
Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese Painted Ferns bring a splash of color with their silver, grey, and purple tones. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, adding a touch of elegance to shaded borders or containers.
Their unique coloration contrasts beautifully against darker foliage, providing visual interest.
Lady Fern
Lady Ferns offer delicate, finely cut fronds that add a touch of elegance to any shady spot. They adapt well to different conditions but prefer moist, well-drained soil.
Perfect for mass plantings or as an accent among other shade-loving plants. Their light green color brightens darker areas.
Christmas Fern
Christmas Ferns retain their deep green color even in winter, offering garden interest year-round. They are hardy and adaptable, thriving in shaded areas with well-drained soil.
Their resilience makes them a great choice for erosion control on slopes or adding greenery to winter landscapes.
Cinnamon Fern
Cinnamon Ferns feature tall, cinnamon-colored fronds that stand out against their lush green foliage. They thrive in moist environments, often found near streams and wetlands.
Ideal for adding vertical interest to garden beds or water features, they require minimal maintenance once established.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn Ferns, with their unique antler-shaped fronds, make for an intriguing indoor or outdoor display. They are epiphytes, preferring to be mounted on wood rather than potted in soil.
These ferns thrive in indirect light and require regular misting to mimic their natural humid environment.
Korean Rock Fern
The Korean Rock Fern is a compact plant with glossy, evergreen fronds. It’s perfect for rock gardens or shaded borders, thriving in well-drained soil with moderate moisture.
Its tidy growth habit and deep green color make it a versatile addition to any garden setting.
Hart’s Tongue Fern
With its strap-like, evergreen leaves, Hart’s Tongue Fern adds texture to shaded gardens. It prefers limestone-rich soil and can tolerate drier conditions than most ferns.
Often found in rockeries or crevices, this fern is valued for its unique leaf shape and low maintenance needs.
Himalayan Maidenhair
Himalayan Maidenhair Ferns are known for their finely textured fronds that arch gracefully. They prefer cooler climates and high humidity, making them ideal for shaded areas in temperate gardens.
These ferns provide a soft, flowing appearance that complements other woodland plants.
Wood Fern
Wood Ferns are hardy and versatile, with robust, arching fronds that add structure to gardens. They thrive in a variety of conditions, from full shade to partial sun, and are perfect for naturalizing woodland areas.
Their resilience makes them a staple in both private gardens and public parks.
Bracken Fern
Bracken Ferns are one of the most common and widespread types, recognizable by their large, triangular fronds. They adapt well to various habitats, thriving in open fields or shaded woods.
Bracken Ferns can spread rapidly, so they are best used in areas where they have room to grow.
Silver Brake Fern
The Silver Brake Fern captivates with its striking silvery fronds bordered by deep green. Preferring warm, humid conditions, it’s ideal for tropical gardens or as a houseplant.
This fern adds a touch of elegance and brightness, contrasting beautifully with darker-leaved plants.
Holly Fern
Holly Ferns feature shiny, leathery fronds that resemble holly leaves, providing year-round interest. They thrive in shaded, moist environments and are perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
Their tough foliage makes them resistant to pests and disease, ensuring longevity in the garden.
Western Sword Fern
Western Sword Ferns are robust plants with long, sword-like fronds that add a dramatic flair to gardens. They are highly adaptable, thriving in coastal areas and shaded woodlands.
These ferns are excellent for erosion control and add a lush, green backdrop to any setting.
Autumn Fern
Autumn Ferns are prized for their coppery-red new growth that matures to a rich green. They prefer shaded or partly shaded locations with well-drained soil.
Ideal for adding color to shaded borders, their vibrant young fronds provide seasonal interest and contrast.
Polypody Fern
Polypody Ferns are characterized by their small, leathery fronds that often cling to rocks or logs. They are epiphytic and thrive in shaded, moist environments.
These ferns are excellent for adding greenery to rock gardens or mossy, wooded areas, requiring minimal care once established.
Bird’s Nest Fern
With its broad, wavy fronds, the Bird’s Nest Fern makes a striking indoor or tropical garden feature. Unlike many ferns, it prefers indirect light and can tolerate drier conditions.
Its rosette shape provides a bold focal point, perfect for placing in containers or hanging baskets.
Shield Fern
Shield Ferns boast tall, upright fronds that add vertical interest to garden compositions. They are versatile, thriving in shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Ideal for creating a lush backdrop or as a standalone feature, their presence enhances the depth and texture of garden designs.
Soft Shield Fern
The Soft Shield Fern charms with its delicate, feathery fronds that add a gentle touch to gardens. Preferring moist, shaded spots, it’s an excellent choice for adding texture and softness to borders or woodland gardens.
This fern is easy to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Hay-Scented Fern
Hay-Scented Ferns emit a light, pleasant fragrance that enhances garden enjoyment. They thrive in sunny to partially shaded areas, making them versatile for meadows or woodland edges.
Their finely divided fronds create a soft, airy effect, perfect for filling in gaps or covering large areas.
Tassel Fern
Tassel Ferns are known for their lush, drooping fronds that lend a graceful appearance to shaded gardens. Preferring moist, well-drained soil, they’re ideal for adding depth to shaded borders or woodland gardens.
Their elegant form and texture make them a standout choice for fern enthusiasts.