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Fern Companion Plants: Enhance Your Garden with These Perfect Pairings


fern companion plants
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Ferns are one of the most popular and versatile plants in any garden. They come in different colors, sizes, and shapes, and are relatively easy to grow. However, if you want to enhance the beauty of your ferns, you need to pair them up with other plants that complement their looks and growth requirements. In this article, we will discuss some of the best fern companion plants that can help you create a stunning garden.

The Best Fern Companion Plants

1. Hostas

Hostas are one of the most popular plants that can be paired up with ferns. They have large leaves that come in different shades of green and can create a beautiful contrast with the delicate fronds of ferns. Hostas also thrive in the same growing conditions as ferns, making them an excellent companion plant.

How to Pair Hostas with Ferns

When pairing hostas with ferns, it is essential to consider the color and size of the hosta leaves. For instance, large blue hostas look great when paired with smaller ferns with bright green fronds. Similarly, small yellow hostas can complement larger ferns with dark green fronds.

2. Coral Bells

Coral bells, also known as heucheras, are another excellent option to pair up with ferns. They produce vibrant foliage that comes in different shades of red, purple, and green. Coral bells also add texture and depth to any garden, making them an ideal companion for ferns.

How to Pair Coral Bells with Ferns

When pairing coral bells with ferns, consider using contrasting colors to create a striking contrast. For example, pair purple coral bells with bright green ferns or red coral bells with dark green ferns.

3. Astilbes

Astilbes are another great option for companion planting with ferns. They have feathery plumes that come in different shades of pink, red and white, and can add a pop of color to any garden. Astilbes also prefer the same growing conditions as ferns, making them an excellent companion plant.

How to Pair Astilbes with Ferns

When pairing astilbes with ferns, consider using plants with similar heights to create a harmonious look. For example, pair tall astilbes with taller ferns and shorter astilbes with smaller ferns.

4. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are another popular choice for companion planting with ferns. They produce heart-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink and white and can add a touch of romance to any garden. Bleeding hearts also prefer the same growing conditions as ferns, making them an ideal companion plant.

How to Pair Bleeding Hearts with Ferns

When pairing bleeding hearts with ferns, consider using plants with similar textures to create a cohesive look. For instance, pair delicate bleeding hearts with delicate ferns and bold bleeding hearts with robust ferns.

5. Lungworts

Lungworts are another perfect pairing for ferns. They produce unique foliage that comes in different shades of green, silver, and white and can add a touch of elegance to your garden. Lungworts also thrive in the same growing conditions as ferns, making them an excellent companion plant.

How to Pair Lungworts with Ferns

When pairing lungworts with ferns, consider using plants with similar shapes to create a cohesive look. For instance, pair rounded lungworts with round-shaped ferns and spiky lungworts with spiky ferns.


Ferns are beautiful plants that can add a touch of elegance and charm to your garden. However, if you want to enhance their beauty further, you need to pair them up with the right companion plants. Hostas, coral bells, astilbes, bleeding hearts, and lungworts are some of the best options for companion planting with ferns. When pairing these plants, consider the color, texture, and height to create a stunning garden display.

FAQs

1. What are fern companion plants?

Fern companion plants are plants that are grown alongside ferns in a garden or landscape. These plants complement the look and growth requirements of ferns, creating a stunning garden display.

2. What are the best companion plants for ferns?

Some of the best companion plants for ferns are hostas, coral bells, astilbes, bleeding hearts, and lungworts.

3. How do I pair hostas with ferns?

When pairing hostas with ferns, consider the color and size of the hosta leaves. Large blue hostas look great when paired with smaller ferns with bright green fronds. Similarly, small yellow hostas can complement larger ferns with dark green fronds.

4. Can I plant astilbes and ferns together?

Yes, astilbes and ferns can be planted together as they prefer the same growing conditions and can create a harmonious look.

5. How do I pair bleeding hearts with ferns?

When pairing bleeding hearts with ferns, consider using plants with similar textures to create a cohesive look. Pair delicate bleeding hearts with delicate ferns and bold bleeding hearts with robust ferns.


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