Plant field guide
Fern
Ancient group of shade-loving plants prized for their elegant, arching fronds. Ferns bring lush texture and a woodland feel to any garden. Hundreds of species range from tiny ground covers to towering tree ferns.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Polypodiopsida
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 12 in (30 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 36 in (91 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 3–10; average annual extreme minimum from -40°F (-40.0°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Most ferns prefer consistent moisture and rich, organic soil. Avoid direct afternoon sun. Excellent companions for hostas, azaleas, and other shade lovers.
Pruning
Remove dead or tattered fronds in early spring before new fiddleheads unfurl.
Fertilizer
Balanced organic fertilizer
Early spring
Mulch
2-3 inches of leaf mold or shredded bark.