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Everything You Need to Know
About Growing Ferns
Elegant foliage plants that bring texture, structure and year-round interest to shaded gardens.
What We've Included:
When To Plant | How To Plant | Where To Plant | Aftercare | Common Issues | Flowering Time | Inspiration
About Ferns
Ferns are widely admired for their elegant foliage, bringing texture, structure and lasting interest to parts of the garden where many flowering plants struggle to thrive. Available in an impressive range of shapes, sizes and shades of green, they offer versatility as well as beauty.
From compact evergreen varieties suited to containers and smaller spaces to larger architectural forms that create a woodland atmosphere, Ferns provide reliability and season-long appeal. Their graceful fronds soften hard landscaping, complement flowering plants and help create a calm, natural feel within the garden.
Most garden Ferns are remarkably easy to grow once established, thriving in cool, sheltered positions where their foliage can develop to its full potential.
If you're new to growing Ferns, this guide has everything you need to get started.
When to Plant Ferns
Ferns can be planted throughout most of the year whenever the soil is workable, although spring and autumn are generally considered the best times.
Planting during these cooler, wetter seasons allows roots to settle quickly before periods of summer heat or winter cold.
Container-grown Ferns can be planted at almost any time, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
Where to Plant Ferns
Ferns generally thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens, sheltered borders and areas beneath trees and shrubs.
They prefer fertile, humus-rich soil that retains moisture while remaining free-draining. Many varieties also appreciate the higher humidity found near ponds, streams and other damp garden environments.
Avoid exposed locations, particularly those subject to intense afternoon sun or drying winds, as these conditions can damage delicate fronds and reduce overall performance.
How To Plant Ferns
Prepare the planting area by removing weeds and incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as compost or leaf mould, to enrich the soil and improve its structure.
Carefully remove the Fern from its container and gently loosen any congested roots. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and position the plant so it sits at the same depth as it was growing previously. Backfill with soil, firm gently around the roots and water thoroughly after planting to help establish healthy growth.
Borders
Ferns are excellent for introducing texture and contrast to shaded borders, where their foliage helps link different planting combinations together.
Step 1: Select a sheltered location with partial or full shade and fertile soil.
Step 2: Improve the planting area with compost or leaf mould before planting.
Step 3: Space plants according to their mature spread, allowing room for fronds to develop naturally.
Step 4: Water thoroughly after planting and during prolonged dry spells while establishing.
Step 5: Apply an annual mulch to help maintain healthy soil conditions and support strong growth.
Containers
Many Fern varieties perform exceptionally well in containers, making them ideal for patios, courtyards and shaded entrances.
Step 1: Choose a container with adequate drainage holes and sufficient room for future growth.
Step 2: Fill with a moisture-retentive, peat-free compost enriched with organic matter.
Step 3: Plant at the same depth as it was growing in its nursery pot and firm gently into place.
Step 4: Position the container somewhere sheltered from harsh sunlight and drying winds.
Step 5: Check compost regularly and water whenever the surface begins to dry.
Aftercare
Once established, Ferns require relatively little attention and can thrive for many years in suitable conditions.
Step 1: Water during extended dry periods, particularly throughout the first growing season.
Step 2: Apply a mulch of compost or leaf mould each spring to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure.
Step 3: Remove damaged or yellowing fronds as they appear to maintain a tidy appearance.
Step 4: Keep the surrounding area free from vigorous weeds that may compete for moisture and nutrients.
Step 5: Divide large clumps every few years if they become congested or outgrow their allotted space.
Seasonal Maintenance
A little seasonal maintenance will help keep Ferns healthy and looking their best throughout the year.
Step 1: Allow deciduous varieties to die back naturally in autumn.
Step 2: Leave evergreen fronds in place through winter unless they become damaged or untidy.
Step 3: Remove old foliage in late winter or early spring before fresh growth begins to emerge.
Step 4: Apply a fresh layer of organic mulch each spring to encourage vigorous new growth.
Step 5: Inspect plants periodically for signs of drought stress during warmer months and water where necessary.
Common Issues & How to Solve Them
Ferns are generally reliable and trouble-free, but a few common problems can occasionally occur:
Scorched fronds
Too much direct sunlight can cause fronds to become bleached, brown or damaged. Move container-grown plants to a shadier position or improve protection from strong afternoon sun.
Brown frond tips
Often caused by dry conditions, low humidity or inconsistent watering. Maintain even moisture levels and avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.
Slugs and snails
Young unfurling fronds can sometimes attract slugs and snails in spring. Protect vulnerable plants where necessary and remove pests by hand if required.
Winter damage
Severe weather may affect evergreen foliage. Remove damaged fronds in spring once new growth begins to appear.
Weak growth
Poor soil conditions, excessive exposure or prolonged dryness can affect vigour. Improve the soil with organic matter and ensure plants are growing in a suitable position.
When Do Ferns Look Their Best?
One of the greatest strengths of Ferns is their ability to provide interest beyond the flowering season.
Fresh fronds emerge in spring, often unfurling from tightly coiled fiddleheads before gradually developing into lush foliage. Throughout summer, plants create a rich backdrop for flowering perennials and shrubs, while evergreen varieties continue to provide texture and structure well into autumn and winter.
Many gardeners value Ferns just as much for these changing seasonal displays as for their reliability and ease of cultivation.
Find Some Inspiration For Your Garden
Ferns are wonderfully versatile and can complement a wide range of garden styles. In woodland-inspired planting schemes, they pair beautifully with Hostas, Heucheras, Pulmonarias and spring-flowering bulbs, creating layers of contrasting foliage and seasonal interest. Their graceful habit also works particularly well beneath mature trees, around ponds and alongside shaded pathways where softer planting is desired.
For a more contemporary look, use architectural varieties in large containers or plant in repeating drifts to create rhythm and texture throughout the garden.
Their ability to thrive in difficult shaded areas makes them invaluable for transforming underused spaces into attractive, naturalistic displays filled with character and depth.
Ready to Shop for Ferns?
Browse our full range of Ferns and discover everything from compact evergreen varieties to dramatic architectural forms. Whether you're creating a woodland retreat, adding texture to a shaded border or bringing life to containers and courtyards, Ferns provide dependable beauty season after season.
