Ferns have been around for a long, long time. We’re talking hundreds of millions of years. They're the tough guys of the woodland world. You’ve got to be pretty hardcore to withstand a mass extinction event like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, after all... Our growers have an incredible eight RHS gold medals and over sixty years of experience to their name, so you know that you’ll only get the very best.
Perennials born in Herefordshire, blooming in your garden
Our perennials start life in the rolling Herefordshire hills, where Jack and his team trial over 250 new varieties each year to bring you the best performing and most sustainable plants in the UK. With over forty years of excellence, it’s no surprise that they’ve won the HTA Plant Grower of the Year award two years running.
Need help picking?
Which fern?
The first thing to think about is whether you want a fern with pinnate, divided fronds or undivided fronds. Another thing to consider is the size of your fern; some ferns can grow to heights of almost two metres, whilst others grow low to the ground. Do you want a UK native fern? If so, may we point you towards the Common Polypody and Hart’s Tongue. If you’re looking to create more of a globally-influenced garden, then the Japanese Painted Fern and the Tassel Fern are both good choices.
Planting schemes and partners
Ferns are an absolute must for woodland gardens. They’re adaptable enough to work as a feature plant, as a backdrop for flowering perennials or to fill in shady gaps in borders. Most ferns will pair perfectly with low-growing plants like heucheras and hostas. If you want some flowers to add pops of colour amidst all that green, think about partnering your ferns with astilbes or hellebores. Some ferns are suitable to be planted by the side of a pond, alongside plants like irises.
Growing tips
Ferns are low-maintenance, non-flowering plants that provide a “frondly” face in the shadier spots of your garden. Primarily woodland plants, ferns do well in partial to full shade, with a preference for dappled light. Ferns love a moist, well-draining and nutrient-rich soil that’s brimming with organic goodness. You’ll want to water your ferns often during their first year in the ground, but beyond that, you’ll only need to water them in prolonged dry, hot spells or when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
