Collection: Ferns

Hardy garden ferns for the shady corners where flowering plants struggle: under trees, along a north-facing wall or in a damp border.

Soft shield ferns (Polystichum) are the most reliable for year-round cover, keeping their fronds right through winter, but they want well-drained soil rather than a wet spot. Male and copper shield ferns (Dryopteris) are the toughest of all and, once established, even cope with dry shade, though their fronds look tired by late winter and are best cut back in early spring. The copper shield fern brings copper-red new fronds in spring.

Plant from March to May or in September and October, water well through the first season, and mulch. Looking for ferns to grow indoors? See our indoor ferns.

Grown peat-free in Yorkshire.