Ferns are some of the oldest plants on the planet, and honestly, they’re like living fossils for your garden! There are over 17,000 species worldwide, with about 200 of those calling Europe home. They bring a lush, prehistoric vibe to any space.
- Family: Vascular spore plants
- Growth Habit: Upright and bushy
- Height: Ranges anywhere from 4 inches to over 8 feet
- Foliage: Single or multi-pinnate fronds; can be deciduous or evergreen
- Flowers: None (they keep it simple!)
- Maintenance: Low maintenance; no special fuss required
- Natural Propagation: Spores and runners
- Manual Propagation: Division and cuttings
The Perfect Spot
In the wild, you’ll mostly find ferns hanging out at the edges of forests. They love that “Goldilocks” lighting—not too dark, but definitely not in the scorching sun. When you’re picking a spot in your garden or finding a place for your potted ferns, aim for full shade or partial shade. They want plenty of light to grow, but direct afternoon sun is a big no-no.
Soil and Water
If there’s one thing ferns crave, it’s moisture. They aren’t big fans of drying out and will let you know they’re unhappy by developing brown fronds pretty quickly. However, you don’t want them sitting in a swamp, either; soggy roots can lead to rot. The sweet spot is soil that is rich in organic matter (humus), packed with nutrients, and drains well.
A Note on Toxicity
Here’s something to keep in mind: almost all fern species are toxic. The level of toxicity varies wildly from one type to another. While there are a few edible varieties out there, identifying ferns correctly can be really tricky because there are just so many species. My advice? Unless you’re a pro, it’s best to avoid snacking on any ferns you find out in the wild.
No Flowers, No Seeds
One of the coolest things about ferns is that they don’t produce flowers or seeds. Instead, they reproduce using spores. Sometimes the spore capsules on a Royal Fern can look a bit like tiny flowers, and you might even see Gloxinias marketed as “flowering ferns” at the garden center. Just a heads-up: those aren’t actually ferns! They just share that beautiful, feathery look we all love.
