Hardy ferns are the easiest way to fill shady, moist corners with texture, and the ones we sell come back every year in Maine. Most want shade to part shade and soil that stays evenly damp.
American Royal Fern 'Regalis Spectabilis'
Osmunda 'Regalis Spectabilis'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Native
- Rabbit resistant
Autumn Fern 'Brilliance'
Dryopteris 'Brilliance'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance
- Winter interest
Christmas Fern 'Acrostichoides'
Polystichum 'Acrostichoides'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance
Cinnamon Fern 'Cinnamomea'
Osmunda 'Cinnamomea'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Native
- Rabbit resistant
Eastern Wood Fern 'Marginalis'
Dryopteris 'Marginalis'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Native
Ghost Fern 'Ghost'
Athyrium 'Ghost'
from $19.99 · 1GAL
- Rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance
- Colorful foliage
Hard Shield Fern 'Aculeatum'
Polystichum 'Aculeatum'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance
Hay-Scented Fern 'Punctilobula'
Dennstaedtia 'Punctilobula'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Fragrant
- Native
Interrupted Fern 'Claytoniana'
Osmunda 'Claytoniana'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Native
- Rabbit resistant
Japanese Painted Fern 'Metallicum'
Athyrium 'Metallicum'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance
- Colorful foliage
Japanese Painted Fern 'Pearly White'
Athyrium 'Pearly White'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance
- Colorful foliage
Japanese Painted Fern 'Pictum'
Athyrium 'Pictum'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance
- Colorful foliage
How to choose
- Light: most ferns want shade or morning sun only; afternoon sun scorches the fronds.
- Moisture: pick ostrich and cinnamon ferns for wet spots, and Christmas or hay-scented ferns for drier shade.
- Color: Japanese painted and ghost ferns bring silver and burgundy to dark corners.
Frequently asked questions
Are ferns deer resistant?
Most hardy ferns are rarely eaten by deer, which makes them one of the best choices for shady yards that get deer pressure.
Can ferns grow in full sun?
A few, like ostrich and hay-scented ferns, tolerate more sun if the soil stays moist. Most ferns do best with shade or morning sun only.
When should I plant ferns?
Spring through early fall. Keep new ferns well watered their first season while the roots establish.
Do ferns spread?
Some do. Ostrich and hay-scented ferns spread by runners and fill large areas; painted and lady ferns stay in clumps.