Written by
Sabina
Looking for a garden plant with a beautiful shape, a fresh green colour and a fabulous appearance? You can't beat ferns. These primal plants first appeared on earth around 300 million years ago. We've picked out five popular fern varieties that will shine in your garden or on your balcony and patio. Learn how to choose, care for and style outdoor ferns here.
On this page you'll find the following information
Ferns are both garden plants and houseplants
Male-fern King fern Hart's tongue fern Polypody fern Tree fern
Ferns in your garden: where to plant them and caretaking tips
Styling ideas for garden ferns A Lush garden border with ferns Combine different ferns in a single pot A green facade garden with ferns More inspiration on going green
Ferns are both garden plants and houseplants
Ferns are very popular as garden plants, but they're also a common choice for indoor plants. This isn't suprising, given their elegant shapes, bright green colour and diversity of species there's also a fern for your current mood! Discover five popular varieties of hardy ferns for your garden or balcony here.
Male-fern
The robust male-fern has dark green, deeply incised leaves that grow in a funnel shape. It grows to about one metre high and grows from a sturdy, woody rhizome. You can often see it growing wild in the UK in hedgerows, woodlands and ditches, recognisable by its lance-shaped green fronds.
King fern
King's fern lives up to its name, as the plant has a majestic, imposing appearance. This species can grow up to 2 metres tall, making it one of the largest garden-friendly ferns. The leaves are double-pinnate, giving them an airy, elegant appearance. The fresh green leaves turn golden brown in autumn. Of all the ferns, this one can tolerate the most sun.
Hart's tongue fern
This fern gets its name from its shiny leaves that unfurl like a tongue. This evergreen fern differs from other varieties in that its leaves are not spring-shaped, but lanceolate. Hart's tongue fern has a rustic look, is a fresh green colour and likes calcareous, not-too-acidic soil.
Polypody fern
This fern can be recognised by its delicate, feather-shaped leaves with a leathery texture, which somewhat resemble an oak leaf in shape. This bright green fern stays relatively low to the ground (growing around tall 70 centimetres) and is evergreen. Compared to other ferns, the polypody fern can tolerate drier soil and a little more sun.
Ferns in your garden: where to plant them and caretaking tips
Ferns are easy garden plants that require little maintenance, creating maximum impact with minimal care. Check out the most important tips for caring for ferns in your garden or on your balcony here:
- Ferns prefer to be in the shade or semi-shade. This makes them the ideal plant for a north-facing garden. Avoid a spot in the bright sun, as the leaves can burn in summer.
- Preferably you should give ferns a spot out of the wind so that you can enjoy their enchanting leaves to the max.
- Ferns like humid conditions and moist but not too wet soil. Ensure they have good drainage.
- Water ferns regularly during hot, dry periods and make sure the soil remains slightly moist. Using a hose or watering can, water the ground around them rather than directly into the centre of the plant, which can discourage leaf growth.
- Ensure well-nourished, moist soil by applying a layer of compost or mulch around the base of the fern in winter.
Tree fern
The tree fern has a unique appearance thanks to its thick, hairy ‘trunk’ and a crown of large, pinnate leaves. This exotic plant grows slowly, but can eventually reach several metres in height. Tree ferns are not completely hardy (they're fine down to around -5°C), so protect this fern species in severe frosts and cold weather.
A Lush garden border with ferns
Are you the lucky owner of a garden with enough space for a large border? Turn up the lushness with ferns. Their brushlike, feathery leaves add height and weight to a spot that benefits from texture and depth. You could even build in a seat to enjoy the peace spot you've created.
Combine different ferns in a single pot
If you're working with more limited space, consider a fern library in a single plant pot. The impressive green leaves will give your outdoor space a green makeover in no time. For an extra green effect, choose a green plant pot.
A green facade garden with ferns
Do you have a shady facade or wall that looks unloved? This is the ideal spot to fill with ferns. Other suitable plants include Hydrangeas, Pansies, Marguerite daisies and Begonias.
More inspiration on going green
Want more planting tips and styling ideas? Discover how to choose the best plants for a small garden and how to make your garden animal-friendly in autumn and winter. Getting chilly? Head inside and make sure your indoor plant friends are taken care of too with our basic rules and tips on caring for houseplants.
