Discover the Perfect Plants to Compliment Your Fern Collection

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Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Your Ferns

Ferns are beautiful, versatile plants that can add texture and depth to any garden or indoor space. However, finding the right companion plants to complement your ferns can be a challenge. The key is to choose plants that will not only enhance the beauty of your ferns but also thrive in the same conditions.

In this article, we will explore some of the best plant options to pair with ferns, based on their unique characteristics and growing requirements. From flowering perennials to shade-loving groundcovers, we'll cover it all.

Plants That Compliment Ferns: Top 15 Recommendations

1. Hostas

Hostas are one of the most popular companion plants for ferns. They have similar growth habits and can thrive in the same shady, moist environments. Hostas come in a wide range of colors and textures, making them an excellent option for adding variety to your fern collection.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Blue Angel' Hosta: This large hosta has blue-green leaves that contrast beautifully with green ferns.
• 'Patriot' Hosta: With white-edged leaves, this hosta adds a bright pop of color to any fern garden.

2. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are delicate, heart-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink and white. They prefer partially shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Bleeding hearts make a lovely addition to any fern garden.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Alba' Bleeding Heart: This white-flowering cultivar looks stunning against a backdrop of green ferns.
• 'Gold Heart' Bleeding Heart: With golden-yellow foliage, this bleeding heart adds a striking contrast to ferns.

3. Coral Bells

Coral bells, also known as Heuchera, are a versatile plant that can thrive in both sun and shade. They come in a wide range of colors, from deep burgundy to bright lime green, making them an excellent choice for adding pops of color to your fern garden.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Obsidian' Coral Bells: This dark-leaved variety looks stunning alongside green ferns.
• 'Lime Rickey' Coral Bells: With lime-green foliage, this coral bell adds a refreshing burst of color to fern gardens.

4. Astilbe

Astilbe is a fantastic plant for creating a lush, full look in your fern garden. They prefer shady, moist areas and bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. Astilbe's feathery plumes make a beautiful contrast against the delicate fronds of ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Fanal' Astilbe: This deep red astilbe looks beautiful contrasted against green ferns.
• 'Bridal Veil' Astilbe: With pure white flowers, this astilbe creates a soft, romantic feel in fern gardens.

5. Foamflower

Foamflower, or Tiarella, is a low-growing perennial that thrives in shady, moist areas. They have delicate, lacy leaves and bloom in shades of pink and white. Foamflower is an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to your fern garden.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Spring Symphony' Foamflower: This cultivar has bright pink flowers that pop against green ferns.
• 'Brandywine' Foamflower: With deep maroon foliage, this foamflower adds a bold contrast to fern gardens.

6. Japanese Painted Fern

The Japanese painted fern is a stunning fern variety with silver-grey fronds that are accented with shades of purple and red. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an excellent companion plant for other shade-loving plants.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Burgundy Lace' Japanese Painted Fern: This cultivar has deep burgundy highlights that add depth to any fern garden.
• 'Silver Falls' Japanese Painted Fern: With silvery-white fronds, this fern creates a cool, calming effect in shaded areas.

7. Columbine

Columbines are beautiful, delicate flowers that bloom in shades of blue, pink, and purple. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an excellent companion plant for ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Blue Bird' Columbine: This cultivar has striking blue flowers that look beautiful alongside green ferns.
• 'Nora Barlow' Columbine: With double-petaled flowers in shades of pink and white, this columbine adds a soft, romantic feel to fern gardens.

8. Lenten Rose

Lenten roses, or Hellebores, are a beautiful flowering perennial that blooms in early spring. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an excellent choice for pairing with ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Winter Jewels Black Diamond' Lenten Rose: This cultivar has deep, almost black flowers that look stunning against green ferns.
• 'Winter Jewels Golden Sunrise' Lenten Rose: With bright yellow petals, this lenten rose adds a pop of sunshine to fern gardens.

9. Blechnum

Blechnum is a unique fern variety with long, arching fronds that add a tropical feel to any garden. They prefer shady, moist areas and are an excellent choice for adding height and interest to your fern collection.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Silver Lady' Blechnum: This cultivar has silvery-green fronds that gleam in the sunlight.
• 'Cristatum' Blechnum: With crimped fronds that resemble waves, this blechnum creates a dynamic effect in fern gardens.

10. Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal is a beautiful, shade-loving plant with long, arching stems that produce delicate white flowers. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them an excellent companion plant for ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Variegatum' Solomon's Seal: This cultivar has cream-colored edges on its leaves that add a unique touch to fern gardens.
• 'Double Stuff' Solomon's Seal: With double flowers, this Solomon's seal creates a bold, eye-catching effect in shaded areas.

11. Lungwort

Lungwort, or Pulmonaria, is a low-growing perennial that blooms in shades of pink, blue, and purple. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an excellent choice for pairing with ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Raspberry Splash' Lungwort: This cultivar has deep pink flowers that look stunning alongside green ferns.
• 'Silver Bouquet' Lungwort: With silvery-white foliage, this lungwort creates a cool, calming effect in shaded areas.

12. Foamflower

Foamflower, or Tiarella, is a low-growing perennial that thrives in shady, moist areas. They have delicate, lacy leaves and bloom in shades of pink and white. Foamflower is an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to your fern garden.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Spring Symphony' Foamflower: This cultivar has bright pink flowers that pop against green ferns.
• 'Brandywine' Foamflower: With deep maroon foliage, this foamflower adds a bold contrast to fern gardens.

13. Woodland Phlox

Woodland phlox, or Phlox divaricata, is a shade-loving plant that produces clusters of fragrant purple or blue flowers. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them an excellent companion plant for ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'May Breeze' Woodland Phlox: This cultivar has pure white flowers that create a soft, romantic feel in fern gardens.
• 'Chattahoochee' Woodland Phlox: With lavender-blue flowers, this woodland phlox adds a burst of color to shaded areas.

14. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass, or Hakonechloa, is a beautiful ornamental grass variety with delicately arching blades of foliage. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an excellent companion plant for ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'All Gold' Japanese Forest Grass: This cultivar has bright golden-yellow foliage that adds a sunny touch to fern gardens.
• 'Beni Kaze' Japanese Forest Grass: With red-tinted leaves, this grass creates a striking contrast against green ferns.

15. Toad Lily

Toad lilies, or Tricyrtis, are an unusual shade-loving plant with orchid-like flowers in shades of purple and white. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them an excellent choice for pairing with ferns.

Cultivars for Ferns

• 'Empress' Toad Lily: This cultivar has large, white-spotted flowers that look stunning alongside green ferns.
• 'Miyazaki' Toad Lily: With deep purple flowers, this toad lily adds a bold, exotic touch to fern gardens.

Creating the Perfect Fern Garden

Choosing the right companion plants for your fern collection can be a challenge, but it's worth the effort. By selecting plants that thrive in similar growing conditions and complement the unique characteristics of ferns, you can create a lush, vibrant garden that is both beautiful and functional.

Whether you prefer delicate flowers, ornamental grasses, or tropical fern varieties, there is a perfect plant out there to enhance your fern garden. So get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy the beauty of these wonderful plants!

FAQs

Q1: Can ferns grow in full sun?

A: Most ferns prefer shady, moist areas and can struggle in full sun. However, some species, such as the Maidenhair Fern, can tolerate partial sun if given enough moisture.

Q2: What are some low-maintenance companion plants for ferns?

A: Some easy-to-care-for plants that pair well with ferns include Hostas, Bleeding Hearts, and Coral Bells.

Q3: How often should I water my ferns and their companion plants?

A: Most ferns and their companion plants prefer moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Q4: Can I plant ferns and their companion plants together in containers?

A: Yes, ferns and their companion plants can be grown together in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate both plants and has good drainage.

Q5: What are some good groundcovers to pair with ferns?

A: Some shade-loving groundcovers that pair well with ferns include Foamflower, Woodland Phlox, and Sweet Woodruff.

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