Most
ferns are easily grown and will thrive in any moist, well-drained,
shady site in well-dug, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil.
However, some genera (e.g. Thelypteris,
Blechnum and Cryptogramma)
require acid soil and Osmunda species
prefer neutral to acid conditions. Lime-tolerant ferns include
Asplenium scolopendrium, Cystopteris
fragilis, Dryopteris submontana
and Polystichum setiferum.
Little aftercare is needed but dead or unsightly fronds should be removed before the new crosiers appear. Water when necessary, but apply to the roots and not directly to the fronds or crown as this can encourage rot. If rot does develop, a systemic fungicide may be used and all debris should be cleared away to promote air circulation, while a gravel mulch may help reduce subsequent re-infection. Ferns are generally free of most garden pests, if planted in the ground, although containerised plants may suffer from vine weevils.
Hardy species of Asplenium, Dryopteris and Polypodium are tolerant of dry shade, but will need regular watering in their first season and appreciate a mulch of leafmould, bark or garden compost. Very wet sites can be planted with Athyrium filix-femina * (and its cultivars), Dryopteris cristata *, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Onoclea sensibilis and Osmunda regalis *.
Evergreen ferns for damp situations
Adiantum venustum
Asplenium scolopendrium AGM *
Asplenium scolopendrium 'Angustatum'
Asplenium scolopendrium Crispum Group
Asplenium scolopendrium Cristatum Group
Asplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated' AGM
Asplenium scolopendrium Undulatum Group
Asplenium trichomanes AGM *
Dryopteris aemula *
Polypodium vulgare *
Polypodium vulgare 'Bifidocristatum'
Polystichum setiferum AGM *
Polystichum setiferum Acutilobum Group
Polystichum setiferum Congestum Group
Polystichum setiferum Divisilobum Group
Polystichum setiferum Plumosum Group
Polystichum setiferum 'Pulcherrimum Bevis' AGM
Deciduous ferns for damp situations
Adiantum capillus-veneris *
Adiantum aleuticum
Athyrium filix-femina *
Cystopteris bulbifera
Cystopteris dickiaena *
Cystopteris fragilis *
Dryopteris affinis *
Dryopteris dilatata *
Dryopteris filix-mas *
Dryopteris submontana *
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Onoclea sensibilis
Osmunda regalis *
* Native to the British Isles
AGM RHS Award of Garden Merit