How often do you go to your local plant nursery or home improvement store’s garden department to select ferns for your yard? Probably not often! In most Central Florida landscapes, ferns tend to be an afterthought – a little greenery to fill in bare spots. But those familiar with the wide variety of fern species that thrive here can use them to create visual interest, drama and layered textures that enhance and elevate your garden.
Popular Central Florida Fern Species
Ferns have a prominent place in Florida’s ecosystem and economy. Native fern species – such as the native sword fern – help maintain soil health and prevent erosion. Moreover, the Volusia County town of Pierson is renowned as the “Fern Capital of the World” – a title it earned after the flourishing fern industry was established there in the early 1900s.
Since ferns are no stranger to Central Florida, here are six of the most popular fern species gracing area yards! We thank Gardenia and University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions for the following information. Click on the link in the name to learn more about each species!
Australian tree fern — For those who think of ferns as just a supporting player, the Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi) lives up to its name, allowing it to be the center of attention. Looking like it would fit in perfectly at Jurassic Park, this tropical giant has a single trunk that can reach a height of 15-30 feet. The trunk has a brown, hairy appearance and grows up to a foot in diameter. Its long, large leaves form a handsome canopy that gives a tropical feel to the landscape. If this is your goal, our blog post – “How to Create a Tropical Look for Your Central Florida Yard” – provides many more ideas!
This low-maintenance fern grows best in areas with high humidity and very warm temperatures, making it an ideal choice for Central Florida yards. Plant in a shaded area that has well-drained soil. As with all ferns, this plant performs best when it is kept moist. One point to note: the soft fronds have hair-like structures that will cling to clothes and skin if you contact them. These can be quite itchy, so keep this in mind as you work around it!
Holly fern — Named for the pointy tips on its leathery leaves, this is a drought-resistant plant native to Africa and Asia. It forms loose two to three-foot tall clumps of deep green leaves that make a great background when used with more colorful plants. Holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) can be placed in partially sunny to fully shady spots as a border plant, groundcover, or in a woodland-inspired landscape. It can also be grown in containers on covered patios. Holly fern makes an excellent understory plant beneath plants like camellia, sweet olive and other large shrubs that have had their lower branches removed. This fern thrives in low light, so it’s perfect for shady areas under trees. As it can grow to about two feet tall and three feet wide, be sure to give your plant enough room to thrive.
Maidenhair fern — This species makes a delicate, airy addition to shady spots in your landscape, and also loves the indoors as a houseplant. The light gray-green foliage adds a soft feeling to the garden, especially around water features. This fern is best used in mass plantings, but can also be used as an edging or specimen plant. And it makes an excellent groundcover, never getting taller than a couple of feet. There are many kinds of maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp.), so pick a type with foliage that most appeals to you!
Native sword fern — Also known as Boston fern, this low-maintenance species has sword-shaped fronds and scales on the upper side of the rachis (main stem) that are one color. It can grow 2-3 feet tall and spreads rapidly, making it a good choice for ground cover in shady areas. The native sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is often confused with the invasive tuberous sword fern or Asian sword fern, which can be identified by the presence of small, spherical tubers on the root system. To prevent too much of a good thing from native sword ferns in your landscape, it may be helpful to contain them with an edging to the area of the yard in which you want them.
Netted chain fern — Easy to grow in moist, shaded areas, netted chain fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a terrific choice for woodland gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, or along ponds and streams. Forming new growth constantly from its long creeping rhizome, this perennial fern can spread to form large colonies under ideal growing conditions. Generally pest- and disease-free, it performs best in partial to full shade in acidic, organically rich moist-to-wet well-drained soils. This graceful fern forms a dense carpet of arching fronds, its unique chain-like vein pattern adding subtle texture and interest to the landscape.
Staghorn fern — If you want your front yard to get attention, mounting a staghorn fern (Platycerium spp.) on a piece of driftwood or wood slab is a great way to make passing cars slow to a crawl so everyone can admire it! This plant is an epiphyte, meaning it gets moisture and nutrients from the air. A healthy staghorn fern has two types of fronds: green, arching, antler-like “fertile” fronds that look like leaves, and flat, shield-like “sterile” fronds at the base that start green and turn brown with age. The fertile fronds are a vibrant green, while the older, mature shield fronds are leathery and brown, providing protection for the plant’s roots. Being a tropical plant, staghorn ferns are vulnerable to freezing temperatures, and should be moved indoors if possible when they’re forecast.
How to Use Ferns to Enhance Your Landscaping
The various species of ferns available give you plenty of opportunities to express your creative side! The following options can help provide inspiration.
Groundcover — Use ferns to fill in shady, bare spots under trees or large shrubs, or to create a lush, naturalistic look in woodland gardens.
Accents — Plant them in clumps or swaths to add texture and soothing forms, or use taller varieties to create a sense of enclosure.
Around water — Ferns are a natural choice for edging streams or ponds, as many prefer moist soil. Netted chain fern and native sword fern are good choices for these areas.
Container plants — Place them in hanging baskets or pots on a covered porch to create a beautiful focal point.
Border plants — Use some varieties – such as holly fern – as a border plant to add a pop of color against more colorful perennials. Holly fern also works well with maidenhair fern in dry, shady areas.
Foundation plantings — Some ferns – such as the dramatic Australian tree fern – can be used as a substitute for traditional foundation plants.
Tips to Help Your Ferns Thrive
Although ferns are known for being low-maintenance, a little extra attention can make a big difference between merely surviving and thriving! For the basics, provide partial to full shade, keep soil consistently moist with rich organic matter and ensure high humidity. Protect them from freezes by moving tropical varieties indoors or covering them, and cut back any damaged fronds in the spring before new growth appears.
Other tips include the following:
Improve the soil — Ferns thrive in rich, slightly moist soil. Mix in a couple of inches of compost or other organic matter before planting.
Mulch the area — Use mulch to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and protect the roots from temperature extremes.
Water consistently — Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, which can be harmful.
Water container ferns daily in hot weather — Potted ferns — especially in hanging baskets — dry out quickly. They may need watering as often as once a day during hot, dry, windy weather.
Fertilizing — Feed with slow-release fertilizer; use a slow-release granular fertilizer for best results.
Supplement during warmer months — Ferns can benefit from a monthly dose of a water-soluble, nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season.
Protect from frost — Ferns are tropical plants and are sensitive to cold. In Central Florida, tropical ferns will need protection from cold snaps. If a hard freeze is expected, bring sensitive tropical ferns indoors to a sheltered location.
Trim damaged fronds — Before spring growth begins, cut back any fronds that were damaged by cold weather.
Watch for common insect pests — Keep an eye out for pests like scale, slugs, and snails. Insecticides can be damaging to ferns, so try to manage pests without them if possible.
The Take-Home Message
The variety and versatility of ferns can go a long way in making your Central Florida yard a showplace that’s a relaxing, uplifting retreat as well as the envy of the neighborhood! However, if you’re not the green thumb type – or lack an artistic eye for landscape design to incorporate ferns to their best aesthetic advantage – call Daniel’s Lawn Care & Pressure Washing to design, plant and even maintain the yard of your dreams!
Our full-service company provides landscape design, tree installation, tree trimming, yard maintenance, pressure washing and so much more. Contact us today so we can do the work, and you can do the enjoying! We proudly serve all of Central Florida – including Orlando, Sanford, Longwood and Lake Mary! We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and bring your vision to life!
