Ferns

Native ferns grown at our Tennessee nursery and shipped bare root. Pick by light, zone and height, from 6-inch walking ferns to 5-foot ostrich ferns.

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Types of ferns we grow

Every fern here is a hardy native perennial. Plant it in the right light and zone and it comes back every spring, a little bigger each year. Evergreen ferns keep their green fronds through winter. The rest turn brown in fall and grow back from the roots.

Ferns for shade

  • Christmas Fern: evergreen, 1 to 2 feet, zones 3 to 9, part to full shade. Handles dry shade under trees, and deer leave it alone.
  • Lady Fern: dies back in winter, 2 to 3 feet, zones 3 to 8, part to full shade, moist soil. Soft, lacy fronds.
  • Maidenhair Fern: dies back in winter, 1 to 2 feet, zones 3 to 8, part to full shade, rich moist soil. Fan-shaped leaves on black stems.
  • Walking Fern: evergreen, 4 to 12 inches, zones 4 to 8, full shade. Grows on mossy rocks and logs; its leaf tips root and "walk" across the ground.
  • New York Fern: dies back in winter, 1 to 2 feet, zones 3 to 8, part shade. Spreads into a soft ground cover.

Ferns for wet spots

  • Giant Ostrich Fern: dies back in winter, 3 to 5 feet, zones 3 to 7, part to full shade, moist to wet soil. Our tallest fern; spreads to fill an area.
  • Fiddlehead Fern: the same plant as the ostrich fern, known for its tightly coiled spring shoots.
  • Cinnamon Fern: dies back in winter, 2 to 4 feet, zones 3 to 9, part shade, wet soil. Sends up cinnamon-brown spore stalks in spring.
  • Sensitive Fern: dies back in winter, 1 to 3 feet, zones 3 to 9. Takes shade, or sun if the soil stays wet. Named for browning at the first frost.

Ferns that take some sun

  • Hay Scented Fern: dies back in winter, 1.5 to 2 feet, zones 3 to 8, sun to part shade. Smells like fresh hay when brushed; spreads quickly and holds slopes.
  • Bracken Fern: dies back in winter, 2 to 4 feet, sun to part shade, dry or poor soil. Very vigorous, best for large natural areas.

Fern bundles

15 Hardy Ferns, Hardy Fern Trio and the 25-Fern Naturalizing Bundle: mixed ferns we pick to suit your zone.
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Fern questions

Do ferns prefer sun or shade?

They thrive best in partial to full shade because their natural habitat is woodland floors where sunlight is filtered through trees. While a few varieties, such as the Lady Fern, Bracken or Ostrich Fern, can tolerate some morning sun, too much direct sunlight may scorch their delicate fronds. For best results, plant ferns in areas with dappled light, and keep their soil consistently moist to mimic their natural forest environment.

How often should you water ferns?

Ferns thrive when planted in a moist, shaded spot and require a lot of water when they are first planted. After that, native ferns will no longer need constant care or maintenance. Allow Mother Nature to care for them as she does in the wild. They will thrive in their natural habitat. Next Spring, they will grow large towering tops and be mature in age and size.

Why are my fern leaves turning brown?

Ferns naturally shed their worn out fronds as part of their growth cycle, but if several leaves brown at once, it may indicate stress from dry air or underwatering. Increase humidity levels, move the plant to a shadier spot, and trim away damaged fronds to encourage healthy new growth.

What are ferns useful for?

Ferns fill the shady places where most flowering plants struggle: under trees, on the north side of a house, along streams. Their roots hold soil on slopes and banks, and once settled they need no fertilizer and little care.

Do ferns grow back each year?

Yes. Hardy outdoor ferns are perennials. Evergreen types such as Christmas fern and walking fern stay green all winter. The others turn brown in fall and send up new fronds from the roots each spring.

What are the main types of ferns?

Ten of the most common garden ferns are Christmas, ostrich, lady, maidenhair, cinnamon, sensitive, hay scented, New York, bracken and walking fern. We grow all ten; see the guide above for light, zone and height.

Are ferns poisonous to pets?

The ASPCA lists Boston, holly and sword ferns as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Asparagus fern is not a true fern and is toxic to pets. Bracken fern can poison horses and cattle that graze on it, so keep it away from pastures. If a pet chews any plant, call your vet.