7 Eye-Catching Ferns To Grow

 Ferns are among the most beautiful ornamental plants that are perfect for giving texture and color to indoor areas. Please put them in any space that has a bright light to provide you with a relaxed, fresh, tropical, and refreshing feel. While many ferns are adorned with modern looks and features that are highly adaptable and tolerant to different water levels, these attractive plants have existed for long periods.

Ferns come in a variety of kinds to plant to match your landscape. Certain ferns thrive in the sun, and others thrive in the shade. Most ferns thrive in well-drained, moist soil, although some do well even in the shadow of dry conditions. In this article, we will discuss seven ferns with an eye-catching appearance that can be planted in your garden.

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Ferns are a collective group of ferns with soft, green leaves with an unusual fan-like pattern that's almost an exact circle. They are simple to cultivate, provided they remain in moist areas and are not allowed to dry out. Their easy care makes them ideal for ground cover planters or potted plants in indoor spaces. They can grow up to 20-24 inches in height and live for a long time.

The leaves are light green-grey and feel soft to the feel. The leaves can be found in groups within this plant. The ferns should be placed a few feet apart because they can grow and cover a considerable space. They like partial to full shade, and they prefer that the soil is damp. The more water there is in their vicinity, the more they'll grow. Maidenhair Fern can be found in indoor or outdoor environments.

This Fern is a Healthy Indoor Fern Option. They are delicate ferns of the Cichorioideae family, containing more than 200 species classified into the Pteridaceae. The closely related species can shed water without becoming soaked. They are characterized by tiny fronds and delicate appearance similar to the ferns with a hardy appearance that aren't susceptible to cold, but more than tropical ferns. They are healthy plants to be kept indoors.

Royal Fern

Royal Fern produces a large amber-colored inflorescence during late summer. It could be easily mistaken for a flower earning it the name "the flowering fern." It can increase from 3 to 6 feet tall and dwarf the ferns the majority of us know and love.

Royal fern grows long, spindly branches with different green leaves on every side. Though it's enormous and gorgeous, the fern is one of the most difficult to reproduce. Rhizomes that are a bit sluggish will wiggle through your yard and sprout new offshoots whenever possible, an appropriate trait for an opulent plant.

You can accelerate the growth of this fern by placing it in acidic soil since it grows less quickly in an alkaline or neutral pH. Selecting a location with high moisture retention will ensure that your royal fern will remain healthy and happy. The species can thrive in clay and sand when it is suitable for pH and water content. It is possible to find this species within a woodland bog or on the banks of a river within the wilderness.

You can appreciate the majestic beauty of this magnificent specimen in zones 3-10. It's an adaptable plant for every garden in North America. 

Glade Fern

According to the name, this fern was initially found in forest glades or clearings within the forest, which typically has little or no sun. This name implies that you plant it on a shaded or partially shaded portion of your backyard.

The mature glade fern has beautiful, long fronds which are more comprehensive than tall. The height typically ranges from 1 to 2 feet and extends to three feet in width. The compact appearance makes the glade fern an excellent choice for planting as a ground cover.

The plants form groups of 5 to 6 plants per group in well-drained, moist soil. If they get too dry, the edges of the leaves turn brown. 

Homalosorus, the pycnocarpos' stems have brown in color and golden, which creates a beautiful contrast with the bright and shiny green fronds. The plant has a narrow frond that appears to perform an expressive dance with each breeze.

Bracken Fern

You can recognize the bracken fern by its large triangular fronds. It can grow to waist-high and develops large plume-like stems. They have triangular fronds and show leaflets that produce in pairs.

The color of the leaves varies between a soft, light hue of green to dark green according to the soil. The stems appear slightly more lightweight than the leaves, making a stunning tonal impact.

The climate will vary based on the area or zone; the fronds usually begin to emerge in March and continue until May. After the fronds are open to the sun, they remain green throughout the growing season.

Common bracken fern can be found in any soil, including rocky or sandy soil. It can endure for many years. The fern is a perennial plant that returns yearly with astonishing regularity, even after forest fires, flooding, or other natural disasters.

As the fern develops, it creates the foundation of a deep, dense root system, which allows it to reproduce for the rest of the year. The roots are deep, making them resistant to strong winds and heavy rainfalls.

Ostrich Fern

Ostrich Fern is derived from the distinctive plume of leaves, which resembles the bright green feathers from an ostrich's tail.

Leaves of the plant typically get to be around three feet long, and they have a graceful curve at their ends, while this plant is equal in size. The newly developed leaves are known as fiddleheads because their shape is like the violin stem. They were a popular food choice for Native Americans and are still consumed in many areas within the state.

Ostrich ferns can reach 6 feet high and are almost as large, making this fern nearly the size of. They love shade and humidity. They may lose their color in summer months if they aren't shielded from hail and wind, so they should be located close to walls and the house's sides. This plant is edible and considered a delicacy by different nations.

Sensitive Fern

The sensitive fern is a perennial plant that will return each year. The ferns are exposed to frigid temperatures, So ensure you shield the plants with mulch or another form of protection in winter. They do well in moist soil and the shade for partial sunlight. They are prized because of their gorgeous leaves and are sure to please.

They're a great option when you're looking to add texture and color to your landscape in your backyard's shade zones.

The plant is dark green with glossy upper surfaces and lighter underneath. The leaves are large with lobes that are also green. They are thick and leathery.

The plant is beautiful throughout the year, but it appears somewhat drab during winter months because its leaves go dormant. As spring is near, the leaves will begin to grow, and you'll be able to enjoy the stunning colors you were hoping for as you first took the plants to your home.

These plants thrive in sun-drenched areas. They usually require at least half a day of sunshine or more. It is ideal for getting at least six hours of sun every day. They thrive in moist soil but do not do well in the shade.

New York Fern

It is a perennial plant that is a native species of New York state's forests, with distinct frosts. It Generally looks like a triangular blade, with the largest section in the middle. It narrows sharply at both ends.

The fronds of the plant are lance-shaped and have an elongated tip. It can reach up to two feet in width. The leaflets are tiny and form near the bottom at the base of the leaf. The plant can reach around two to three feet upon maturity.

The top that forms the root structure of the fern can be seen, and it is dark brown. Leaflets develop in pairs of shiny, bright green.

In the forests, The New York fern grows in small ravines that are wooded and in streams. It's exceptionally tolerant to complete shade as well as mixed shady zones. This species is easy to filter sunlight; however, you'll have the best results if the plant is in the shade. This species, known as the New York fern, needs to be more specific about the soil's quality.

 

 

 

maidenhair fern - TN Nursery

Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate, deciduous plant with finely divided, fan-shaped fronds and distinctive black stems, adding an elegant touch to shaded gardens and moist woodlands. It is an aesthetically pleasing plant that offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping. Its unique characteristics and visual appeal make it famous for outdoor and indoor spaces.  The Maidenhair is prized for its delicate leaves and long lifespan. The scientific name is Adiantum SPP, and it's part of 250 species of these plants, including the Northern, Delta, and Southern Maidenhair ferns. The Greek part of the plant's official name means unwetted, and it gets that name from its ability to shed water without getting damp. These plants are native to the Himalayas, East Asia, and the eastern part of North America. Maidenhair Fern's Leaves  Adiantum spp are prized for their fan-shaped leaves. They are known to make excellent houseplants and usually grow between one and two feet tall and the same width. Their stems are wiry black, while the leaves are bright green. Gardeners can expect them to reach their full height in three years, and with proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Maidenhair Fern Grows Well In Pots  Adiantum SPP grows well in pots, containers, and terrariums and can be replanted as it outgrows its container. It also makes great container plants and can be planted in shade gardens and hosta gardens. The Adiantum SPP is known for its air purification qualities. The leaves draw in airborne toxins and are used as nutrients, helping them clean the air wherever they are planted. They also release moisture, which can help combat dry indoor air. When the Adiantum SPP is grown outdoors, it can help stabilize loose soil and cover wildlife, including frogs, lizards, and birds. Birds will sometimes use the dried frons to line their nests. Companion Plants For Maidenhair Fern  The Adiantum SPP can be grown with other flowers and ferns, including the strawberry begonia, coral bells, ginger, woodland geraniums, bloodroot, hostas, hellebores, and pulmonarias. Gardeners can enjoy the calmness of Maidenhair Ferns indoors and outdoors. They make excellent potted plants and look wonderful around water features and along hillsides. They can also be combined with other ferns and flowers to create eye-catching garden beds.

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Royal Fern - TN Nursery

Royal Fern

The Royal Fern is a large, striking fern with feathery fronds and a distinctive crown of fertile fronds. It is typically found in wetland habitats and is appreciated for its ornamental appeal in gardens. The Royal Fern is distinctive from other plants in the class because of its notable size. Specifically, this is one of the largest that grows outside of tropical zones in the United States. Also known as the osmunda regalis, the plant thrives in areas of the yard that are moist, including both shady and partially shady spots. Why should you include it in your landscaping plans? The Appearance Of Royal Fern The plant is appropriately named because it can grow up to six feet tall, and its size at maturity often makes it a solid focal point in yards. The fronds can be as comprehensive as 16 inches and feature up to nine pinna pairs, each with up to 13 pinnules. These qualities, combined with the healthy green color and the point shape of the fronts, add a rich texture to your yard that elevates aesthetics. The Wildlife Attraction and Tolerance Of Royal Fern While some wildlife is welcome in your yard, others can cause considerable damage and should be deterred. The potential damage from foragers like deer and rabbits is deterred as these animals do not use this plant for food. However, turtles, birds, and frogs, which generally do not cause damage, often seek shelter in their bushy leaves. Royal Fern is Pest Resistant While hungry insects often feed on various types of plants, it is well-known for repelling them. Specifically, the recognizable leaves have particular proteins that repel many kinds of insects. Any insects that do find their way to these plants often become food for the birds and other animals that live under the fronds for protection from the elements and their natural predators. When Royal Ferns are planted three feet apart, as recommended, there is little concern about them outgrowing their allocated space. The plants grow only a few inches yearly and do not need to be cut back to prevent overgrowth. As a result, it takes many years for the plant to reach its full size, and minimal care of this low-maintenance plant is required.

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Bracken Fern - TN Nursery

Bracken Fern

Bracken Fern, or Pteridium aquilinum, is a captivating and ubiquitous fern species that thrives in a wide range of habitats across the globe. This perennial plant, which belongs to the Dennstaedtiaceae family, is a prime example of nature's adaptability and resilience.; Bracken Fern Has Silvery Hair Brown stems covered with silvery gray hair are characteristic of them. Their typical flowering time is in early spring. Their compound leaves are twice as numerous as their triangular leaves. These leaves can be two to four feet long and up to three feet wide. An intricate whorl of three leaves forms at the very base of the stem. Spores grow on the leaves ' underside, starting in the middle to the end of June and continuing into late summer. The fronds will grow again after the first heavy frost in the spring. By the end of summer, the fronds begin to change color, going from brown to a beautiful copper or gold that complements any vivid fall foliage. The thick canopies they create keep the soil wet, making a humid microclimate home to many plants and animals. They are also essential to the habitat's biodiversity since they provide food for some animals, like rabbits. They are perfect for building nests because they have many fibrous fronds, which many birds and small animals use. Create Beautiful Edges and Borders With Bracken Fern Bracken Fern provides a gentle and realistic border that goes well with garden settings. They are great for adding winter beauty to garden borders because of their evergreen leaves. They are a good option for garden borders in regions prone to deer since they are usually resistant to deer grazing. Bracken Fern Makes Soil Healthy  By decomposing leaf litter, Bracken Fern improves soil structure, increases microbial activity, and supplies organic matter to the soil, making it healthier. The fibrous roots of these plants improve drainage and lessen soil compaction by aerating the soil. They also help with nutrient cycling by absorbing and releasing nutrients, stabilizing soil, and preventing erosion.

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Thelypteris noveboracensis - TN Nursery

New York Fern

The New York Fern is a native, deciduous species with delicate, lacy fronds and a distinctive appearance, commonly found in Eastern North American woodlands. These medium-sized ferns offer a delightful display of yellow-green fronds that carpet the forest floor. The fern has a delicate blade shape with a triangular leaf structure. The plant's blade is most comprehensive in the middle and tapers sharply at both ends. The New York Fern is a type of plant that grows well throughout the eastern part of North America, and it's found in large numbers throughout New York. This perennial is what you need to fill specific spaces in your yard that would benefit from greenery but might not be as friendly towards some of the flowers that currently occupy your space. Let's see why this plant might fit your current landscape well. New York Fern Reduces Soil Erosion and Weed Growth The fern is typically used as ground cover in areas where grass and other plants don't do as well. As a result, filling these spaces comes with some benefits. First, this plant takes root to prevent soil erosion in areas where soil isn't being kept in place by root systems. As an added benefit, the growth of this lush green plant throughout your yard makes it difficult for weeds to take root, preventing unwanted weed growth. New York Ferns Absorbs Airborne Pollutants These plants are adept at capturing pollutants from the air, making it easier for you to breathe and enjoy your outdoor space. If you're constantly bothered by dust or pollen, consider adding this plant to your landscape and others known to improve air quality. Add Bio-Diversity To Your Garden With The New York Ferns Biodiversity is essential on any property, and you'll find that this plant is a friend to local wildlife. For example, this ground cover is known to serve as an excellent cover for certain animals like toads. The better news? It's not a plant typically sought after by larger animals like deer, which means it will cover other animals until the cold weather comes in. New York Fern is a fast-growing plant that will quickly establish itself in your space, and trailing rhizomes will constantly be shooting up additional fronds that provide an even thicker look to your space. If you're looking for something hard to ruin and will start thriving in specific spaces almost immediately, this is the ground cover to go with.

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