Ostrich Fern with tall, feathery green fronds growing in a shaded woodland garden – Matteuccia struthiopteris from TN Nursery.

Fern Plants

Native Ferns removes powerful toxins from the soil like formaldehyde and arsenic

Ferns add lush, natural beauty to any garden with their graceful, feathery fronds and shade-loving nature. We have ferns for all climate zones.

Sub Collections

Close-up of fern leaves creating a lush garden texture

Ferns for Sun
Liriope muscari Lilyturf groundcover with tall purple flower spikes rising above green grass-like foliage – from TN Nursery.

Ferns for Shade
Fresh green fern fronds overlapping in a natural pattern

Easy to Grow Ferns
Fern with snow on it

Ferns for Cold Soil
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Shade Ferns – Timeless Texture for Cool, Quiet Spaces

Not every part of a garden needs full sun to shine. Some of the most peaceful, inviting spaces are tucked in the shade—and ferns are made for those places. Our collection of shade ferns includes hardy, graceful varieties that thrive in low-light conditions and bring a sense of calm to woodlands, borders, and tucked-away corners.

Elegant Greenery Where Sunlight Is Sparse

Shade ferns are unmatched for their ability to fill dim spaces with soft, layered texture. These plants don’t need much attention—just moisture, a bit of patience, and a place out of the hot afternoon sun. Whether you’re lining a shady path or filling in under trees, the ferns we offer return year after year, spreading gently and enriching the soil as they grow.

Top Shade Ferns From Our Collection:

  • Christmas Fern – Evergreen, tough, and ideal for four-season interest.
  • Lady Fern – Lacy fronds that thrive in woodland settings and dappled light.
  • Cinnamon Fern – Known for its tall, upright growth and warm-toned fiddleheads.
  • Maidenhair Fern – Delicate and airy with black stems and fan-shaped leaves.

Why Buy Shade Ferns from TN Nursery?

We grow our ferns naturally, in real soil and real conditions—so when you plant them, they know how to thrive. Each order is shipped bare root, fresh from our farm, and selected for strong roots and reliable performance. Whether you're designing a quiet woodland retreat or need erosion control on a shaded slope, our shade ferns are a lasting, low-maintenance choice.

Browse our shade ferns and bring cool, green serenity to the shaded parts of your garden. Simple. Natural. Enduring.

FAQ

Which fern does best in shade?

The ostrich ferndoes best in shade and thrives in cool, moist areas with rich soil. It prefers indirect light, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. This hardy, low-maintenance fern produces tall, graceful fronds and adds lush greenery to shaded gardens.

What ferns do deer not eat?

Deer typically avoid Christmas ferns, ostrich ferns, and lady ferns because of their texture and taste. These hardy, shade-loving ferns are naturally deer-resistant and thrive with little care. They’re perfect for adding rich greenery to woodland or shaded gardens without worrying about browsing.

What fern does not need sunlight?

The maidenhair fern is one of the best ferns for growing without sunlight. It thrives in low-light or shaded areas with consistent moisture and humidity. This delicate, easy-to-grow fern adds graceful greenery to indoor spaces or shaded garden spots.