Ferns are a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to their delicate, ornamental leaves and their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.

While many ferns are relatively easy to care for, some are more hardy ferns and able to withstand a range of temperatures and other environmental stresses.

In this article, we will introduce the top 5 hardy ferns that are perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your garden.

Table of Contents show

1. The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

The Christmas Fern is a hardy, evergreen fern that is native to North America. It is named after its ability to stay green throughout the winter months, making it a popular choice for adding year-round interest to the garden. The Christmas Fern has distinctive, lance-shaped leaves that are a dark green colour and grow in a circular pattern around the stem.

A green christmas fern plant Polystichum acrostichoides growing on the floor of the forest
A green Christmas fern plant Polystichum acrostichoides growing on the floor of the forest

One of the key features of the Christmas Fern is its ability to tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. It can grow in both moist and dry soil and is able to withstand drought conditions once established. This makes it a great choice for gardens in areas with fluctuating rainfall.

The Christmas Fern is also cold and hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30Ā°F (-34Ā°C), making it a suitable choice for gardens in colder climates.

2. The Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum ā€˜Pictumā€™)

The Japanese Painted Fern is a beautiful, decorative fern that is native to Japan. It is named for its colourful, intricately patterned leaves, which are a combination of shades of silver, green, and purple. The Japanese Painted Fern is a hardy plant that is able to tolerate a range of temperatures and soil conditions. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can grow in partial shade or full shade.

Japanese painted fern fronds have a coloration that appears to be hand painted
Japanese-painted fern fronds have a colouration that appears to be hand-painted

One of the key features of the Japanese Painted Fern is its ability to tolerate drought conditions once established. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for the garden. The Japanese Painted Fern is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20Ā°F (-29Ā°C).

3. The Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

The Sword Fern is a hardy, evergreen fern that is native to the west coast of North America. It is named for its long, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a circular pattern around the stem. The Sword Fern is a popular choice for gardens due to its ability to tolerate a range of soil and moisture conditions. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can grow in partial shade or full shade.

Sword Fern Polystichum munitum in the garden
Sword Fern Polystichum munitum in the garden

One of the key features of the Sword Fern is its ability to tolerate drought conditions once established. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for the garden. The Sword Fern is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20Ā°F (-29Ā°C).

4. The Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum sp.)

The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate, ornamental fern that is native to a variety of regions around the world. It is named for its fine, lacy leaves that are a distinctive dark green colour. The Maidenhair Fern is a hardy plant that is able to tolerate a range of temperatures and soil conditions. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can grow in partial shade or full shade.

Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum
Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum

One of the key features of the Maidenhair Fern is its ability to tolerate drought conditions once established. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for the garden. The Maidenhair Fern is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20Ā°F (-29Ā°C).

5. The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is an evergreen fern that is native to tropical regions around the world. It is named for its long, arching fronds that give rise to its distinctive ā€˜featheryā€™ appearance. The Boston Fern is a popular choice for gardens due to its lush foliage and ability to thrive in moist environments. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can grow in partial shade or full shade.

Healthy Boston Fern growing in planter on patio wall
Healthy Boston Fern growing in a planter on a patio wall

One of the key features of the Boston Fern is its ability to tolerate drought conditions once established. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for the garden. The Boston Fern is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20Ā°F (-29Ā°C).

Furthermore, it has an attractive appearance throughout the year and will add colour and texture to any garden setting.

In conclusion

In addition to being hardy and low-maintenance, these five types of ferns also have an attractive appearance throughout the year. With so many varieties to choose from, you can find the perfect fern for your outdoor space! No matter which type of fern you choose, it will provide colour and texture to your garden for years to come.

Furthermore, they are resistant to pests and diseases which makes them low-maintenance options for any garden setting. With their unique features such as evergreen foliage or colourful intricate patterned leaves, these five types of ferns will surely add colour and texture to your outdoor space.

Andy Woolley is an accomplished expert in the field of invasive weed management, with a specific emphasis on Japanese knotweed. He has extensive experience researching and managing invasive species and has authored numerous articles on the subject. His deep knowledge of invasive weed control has made him a respected authority in the industry.

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