How to Grow Fern
Polystichum setiferum
Ferns are shade-loving perennials grown for their elegant, arching fronds. They thrive in moist, humus-rich soil in sheltered positions under trees or along north-facing walls. Most garden ferns (Dryopteris, Polystichum, Athyrium) are fully hardy and need very little care once established. They do not flower — instead they reproduce by spores produced on the undersides of fronds in summer. Cut back old fronds in late winter before the new fiddleheads unfurl in spring. Excellent ground cover for shady areas where little else will grow.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Mulch with leaf mould or compost in spring. Ferns are light feeders and rarely need additional fertiliser.
Watch For
- Slugs and snails (especially on young fiddleheads)
- Rust (orange-brown pustules on fronds, not to be confused with spore cases)
- Vine weevil larvae (can damage crowns and roots)
Companions
Hostas, Hellebores, Astilbe, Bluebells, Snowdrops
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Partial to full shade
Ferns evolved on the forest floor and need dappled or full shade. Harsh afternoon sun scorches fronds and causes browning at tips. North-facing walls and under deciduous trees are ideal.
Watering
Consistent moisture essential
Keep soil evenly moist at all times. Ferns struggle in dry conditions. Water regularly during dry spells and mulch heavily with leaf mould to retain moisture.
Fertilizing
Mulch with leaf mould in spring
Ferns are light feeders. A generous layer of leaf mould or compost in spring mimics their natural forest floor habitat and provides all the nutrition they need.
Pruning
Remove old fronds in late winter
Cut back all previous year's fronds to ground level in late February or early March before new fiddleheads emerge. Evergreen types can be tidied selectively.
Growing Tips
Shade and moisture are key
Ferns evolved on the forest floor and need consistent moisture and shelter from direct sun. Plant under deciduous trees, along north-facing walls, or in damp corners of the garden. Dappled shade is ideal — harsh afternoon sun scorches fronds and causes browning at the tips.
Spring cleanup of old fronds
In late February or early March, cut back all the previous year's fronds to ground level before the new fiddleheads begin to unfurl. This keeps the plant tidy and prevents old foliage from smothering new growth. Evergreen types like Polystichum can be left longer, but still benefit from removing tatty fronds.
Divide established clumps
Ferns can be divided in spring just as new growth appears. Lift the clump, split it into sections each with several crowns, and replant immediately at the same depth. Water well after dividing. This is the easiest way to propagate ferns and rejuvenate overcrowded plantings.
Companion planting for shade gardens
Ferns combine beautifully with hostas, hellebores, astilbes, and woodland bulbs like bluebells and snowdrops. The contrasting leaf textures create a lush, layered effect. Underplant with spring bulbs that flower before the fern fronds fully expand.
