Ferns For Zone 4
Fern
Bracken Fern
The Bracken Fern is located throughout the entire United States. They are usually found in brushy areas, fields, and the woods. They reach just over 3 ft. in height. The Bracken Fern can grow in both wet and dry soil types. Instead of typical leaves, this plant will have fronds. In the winter season the Bracken Ferns fronds will die, but by the springtime, they will be growing again. They increase the best in zones 3-10 and thrive in areas of bright sunshine to full sun exposure. The scientific name for the Bracken Fern is Pteridium aquilinum.
Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is one of the most popular houseplants in America. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in the warm months of spring and summer. This plant grows best in temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees and needs plenty of indirect sunlight. This plant also requires moderate to heavy watering and thrives best in humid conditions. If relative humidity falls below 80%, this plant needs to be misted. The Boston Fern can reach up to 5 feet tall and need to re-pot every few years. This fern grows best in the USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11.
Autumn Fern
It is an arching, evergreen fern and is a hardy survivor. It grows in a vase-shaped clump up to 2 feet in height. The new fronds are shades of red-orange to copper-pink and will turn to glossy, deep green by summer. It is tolerant to dense shade and rabbits as well as drought conditions. It is native to woodland hills and mountain slopes in Japan, Taiwan, and China. There are no dangerous insect or disease issues. Do not allow the soil to dry out and keep the shelter location from strong winds to protect the fronds. It is a no-maintenance plant and will spread its fronds slowly over time. Plant density is moderate, and the growth rate is slow. Its slow growth makes the plant more expensive. The leaves will emerge from the soil, usually without a stem and the leaf shape is oblong.