Transforming a shady area into a lush , vibrant garden can be a delicious challenge . fearless fern are the perfect footing cover for such spaces , bringing an refined , feathery hint to any landscape painting .
However , selecting the correct familiar flora is crucial to raise the stunner and health of your fern garden .
In this blog post , we ’ll explore 11 recherche plants that thrive alongside hardy fern , offering multifariousness in texture , color , and height while thriving in the shade .
find how these companions can create a proportionate and prosperous garden environment together .
1. Hosta
Hostas are shade - loving perennials known for their large , lush leaves . They come in various shades , from deep leafy vegetable to blue - dark-green and even vary patterns . Ideal as a fellow traveler to ferns , genus Hosta add texture and direct contrast with their broad foliage .
The pernicious colors of Funka can accentuate the ticklish frond of ferns , creating a passive , lush surroundings . Hostas are gloomy - maintenance and thrive in similar conditions to ferns , making them an first-class option for shady gardens .
When planted together , hostas and fern work a canopy of green that transforms shady corners into vibrant garden havens .
© Gardening Know How
2. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera , usually known as coral bells , are prized for their vivacious foliage that comes in a range of colors including red , purple , and gold . These plants flourish in partial to full shade , do them perfect fellow traveller for fern .
The striking leaves of heuchera add together a bold spattering of color beneath the finespun fern frond . Their low - growing nature complements the tall ferns , tot up dimension to your garden .
Coral bell shape are also drought - tolerant once established , offer a hardy and colorful add-on to your fern - replete landscape painting .
© Cold Climate Gardening
3. Bleeding Heart
Bleeding hearts , with their iconic heart - shaped pink or lily-white flowers , convey quixotic charm to shaded garden areas . These perennials opt coolheaded , moist environments standardised to fern .
Their arching stems and unique prime provide an excellent ocular contrast to the o.k. texture of fern frond . Bleeding hearts are ephemeral , often withdraw in the heat of summertime , permit ferns to take halfway level .
Planting bleeding hearts with fern can produce a dynamic seasonal display , where each plant plays its part in the garden ’s changing arras .
© Longfield Gardens
4. Brunnera
Brunnera is a charming perennial that boasts delicate blue flowers evocative of forget - me - nots , along with large , heart - shaped leave . These plant flourish in shady , moist areas , making them idealistic partner for fern .
The tiny blue blossoms lend a burst of color in outflow , while the bold foliage provides a dramatic backdrop to the fern ’s fine leaves . Brunnera ’s leaves often sport silvery undertones , raise the ocular appeal of the garden .
Together , brunnera and fern make a serene timberland setting , perfect for a peaceful garden retreat .
© Carolyn’s Shade Gardens
5. Japanese Painted Fern
Nipponese paint ferns are a visual pleasure , known for their silvery frond with hints of purple and scarlet . These ferns thrive in shady place and provide a beautiful complement to traditional light-green ferns .
The subtle color variation of Japanese paint ferns can play out the full in your garden pattern , impart layers of interest and depth . They are low - maintenance and can adapt to a variety of soil conditions .
Pairing them with dauntless fern make a tapestry of texture and chromaticity , transforming a simple garden recession into an graceful chef-d’oeuvre .
© ZenFusionHome
6. Lungwort
Lungwort , with its patched leaf and vibrant blue or pink prime , adds a impulsive soupcon to any shaded field . This plant flourish in the same coolheaded and dampish conditions that ferns love .
The speckled foliage of lungwort contrast beautifully with the undifferentiated commons of fern frond . Its other springtime blooms offer much - require colouration after wintertime ’s dreariness .
Lungwort ’s unequalled appearing and shade leeway make it a fantastical familiar for fern , help to fill in bare stain and enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden .
© Better Homes & Gardens
7. Astilbe
Astilbes bring a splatter of colouration to any shady garden with their feathery plume of pinkish , red , or white flowers . These perennial love moist , well - drained soil and can light up a fern - satisfy corner .
Their upright bloom spike provide a striking contrast to the low - lying fern foliation . Astilbes are also deer - resistant , make them a virtual option for wildlife - prostrate field .
Combine astilbes with ferns to create layers of grain and color , enhancing the ocular interest and depth of your garden , while their blooms draw in pollinator .
© Gardening Know How
8. Solomon’s Seal
Solomon ’s seal is a elegant perennial with arching fore and dangle blanched , bell - shaped flowers . Perfect for sum vertical interest , it complement the low - grow nature of fern .
This plant thrives in suspicious , wooded areas and enjoys the same soil atmospheric condition as ferns . The elegant structure of Solomon ’s seal provides a beautiful counterpoint to the feathery fern frond .
When plant together , Solomon ’s Navy SEAL and ferns make a woodland garden atmosphere , offer a refuge of tranquility and natural ravisher .
© Experimental Farm Network Seed Store
9. Toad Lily
batrachian lily are exotic perennials known for their orchidaceous plant - like , speckled flowers that bloom in the fall . These unique flower thrive in cryptical tincture , have them excellent partners for ferns .
The intricate convention on toad lily flowers add an constituent of surprisal and machination to the garden . Their late bloom time insure continuous interest group as the seasons change .
Pairing batrachian lilies with fern adds a touch of the unexpected to your garden , pop the question a delicious contrast in both grain and seasonal color .
© The Spruce
10. Wild Ginger
risky gingerroot is a ghost - loving background cover with heart - shaped leaves and small , hidden peak . This plant is fantabulous for filling in gaps between ferns and other shade plants .
The tolerant leaves of wild powdered ginger create a dense carpeting that contrast with the airy frond of ferns . Its growth habit helps suppress grass , promoting a good for you garden ecosystem .
Wild ginger and ferns together craft a riotous , protective ground cover that supports biodiversity and enhances garden beauty .
© Rare Roots
11. Foamflower
Foamflowers feature frail , airy white blooms and attractive , lobate leaves . These perennials are shade broad and flourish in moist , well - run out territory alongside fern .
The foamy heyday of foamflower add a nimbleness to the garden , contrast with the dense verdure of ferns . They attract pollinators , promoting a healthy garden ecosystem .
When combined with ferns , foamflower create a captivating display , allow for texture and movement to the shaded part of your garden .
© The Plant Native