Which Fern Should I Choose? A Stroll Through 12 Shade-Loving Beauties

Lost in the fern section? This guide walks you through 12 stunning, shade-loving ferns—from the blushing Autumn Fern to the hardy Western Sword Fern. Discover unique personalities, growing tips, and the perfect match for your shady garden nook.

PLANT PROFILES – SHADE PLANTS

Marcus Bergin

5/23/20254 min read

You know that moment when you're standing in the fern section at the nursery eyes wide, mind racing, and suddenly you're unsure whether you’re choosing a plant or trying to decipher a forest riddle? They all look so graceful, so ancient, so right somehow. But which one belongs in your shady patch?

There are over 10,500 types of fern in the world. Imagine that. A whole leafy lineage stretching back to before the dinosaurs, still unfurling their secrets in our gardens. And truth be told, most of us only know a handful. Let’s change that, gently.

Here’s a little walk through 12 ferns I’d gladly sit down with for a cuppa. Some bold, some delicate, all with personality. And most importantly—they’re not the usual suspects.

1. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
Ever met a fern that blushes? This one does. Its young fronds emerge coppery pink, like a soft sunset, then mature into glossy green. It’s reliable, handsome, and quietly dramatic.
Zones: 5–9 | Likes moist, rich soil and part shade.

2. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
This one’s a bit of a show-off, in the best way. Silvery fronds laced with purple veins—like frost on a vintage mirror. Lovely under shrubs or beside hostas.
Zones: 4–9 | Moist shade is its happy place.

3. Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
If most ferns are lace, this is ribbon. Broad, shiny, tongue-shaped fronds make a brilliant contrast in a ferny scene. One of my favourites in old English woodland.
Zones: 5–9 | Deep shade, moist and lime-friendly soils.

4. Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
Tough. Evergreen. And statuesque. This native of the Pacific Northwest is unfazed by dry shade and adds real backbone to the back of a border.
Zones: 3–8 | Handles dry shade better than most.

5. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum venustum)
Light, lacy, and elegant. This creeping maidenhair glides along edges and under trees like a botanical whisper. Softens everything around it.
Zones: 5–8 | Needs moisture and gentle shade.

6. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
The big fellow. If you’ve space to let it roam, it’ll reward you with huge, vase-shaped fronds and a prehistoric vibe.
Zones: 3–7 | Loves wet feet and woodland shade.

7. Holly Fern (Cyrtomium fortunei)
Waxy, bold fronds that almost look like holly leaves (hence the name). Not as fussy about moisture, so ideal if your shade is on the dry side.
Zones: 6–10 | Tough, sculptural, and easygoing.

8. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
Named because it browns quickly with frost—bless it. But it spreads joy (and itself) in wetter gardens, thriving where others fade.
Zones: 4–8 | Wet or damp soils preferred.

9. Japanese Marsh Fern (Thelypteris decursive-pinnata)
An underdog. More sun-tolerant than you’d expect, this softly spreading fern thrives in that tricky bright-but-shady zone.
Zones: 4–8 | Moist soils, light shade to sun.

10. Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)
Brush past and catch a whiff of sweet hay. It spreads, yes—but makes a glorious groundcover in wilder corners.
Zones: 3–8 | Dappled or light shade, well-drained soil.

11. Blunt-lobed Woodsia (Woodsia obtusa)
Tiny, tough, and native. A great candidate for walls, rockeries, or pocket plantings. Unassuming but full of character.
Zones: 3–8 | Dry, rocky, well-drained shade.

12. Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant)
Two types of fronds—one tidy and flat, the other upright and fertile. A tidy evergreen with real structure.
Zones: 5–8 | Moist, acidic shade suits it best.

So which one’s right for you? Think about the feel you want—airy or architectural, soft or bold. Is your shade dry under trees or damp by a wall? Do you need something that holds its own year-round, or a spring star?

Let’s talk ferns in the comments. Got one that’s thriving? Or one you’ve been eyeing up but haven’t tried yet?

Happy gardening.

Marcus