10 Stunning Autumn Fern Companion Plants for Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous July 30, 2023 Post a Comment

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Autumn Fern: An

If you're looking for an attractive foliage plant to add to your garden or landscape, then the autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is definitely worth considering. This beautiful fern is known for its coppery-red fronds that emerge in the spring and mature to a glossy green over the summer. Not only is it easy to grow, but it's also relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of conditions.

Companion Plants for Autumn Ferns

One of the best things about autumn ferns is that they make great companions for a wide range of other plants. Whether you're looking to create a woodland-style garden or simply want to add some visual interest to your borders or containers, here are 10 stunning companion plants that pair perfectly with autumn ferns:

1. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are known for their colorful foliage and delicate flowers. These perennials come in a wide range of colors, from deep burgundy to lime green, making them a perfect complement to the coppery-red fronds of autumn ferns. Try pairing 'Berry Smoothie' heuchera with your autumn ferns for a striking contrast.

2. Hosta

Hostas are another shade-loving perennial that pairs well with autumn ferns. Their broad leaves and various textures create a lush look, while their contrasting shades of green provide a nice backdrop for the coppery-red fronds of the ferns. Consider planting 'June' hosta with your autumn ferns for a stunning combination.

3. Astilbe

Astilbes are known for their feathery plumes of delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink, white, and red. These perennials prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them an ideal companion for autumn ferns. Try planting 'Fanal' astilbe with your ferns for a pop of bright red color.

4. Japanese Painted Fern

Japanese painted ferns (Athyrium niponicum) are known for their striking silver-gray foliage that's tinged with shades of purple and blue. These ferns pair perfectly with the coppery-red fronds of autumn ferns, creating a lovely contrast of colors and textures. Try planting 'Pictum' Japanese painted ferns with your autumn ferns for a dramatic effect.

5. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are another shade-loving perennial that pairs well with autumn ferns. Their delicate heart-shaped flowers dangle from arching stems, providing a nice contrast to the bold fronds of the ferns. Plant 'Gold Heart' bleeding heart with your autumn ferns for a splash of bright yellow color.

6. Foamflower

Foamflowers (Tiarella cordifolia) are a low-growing perennial that's perfect for planting as ground cover around your autumn ferns. Their delicate, lacy leaves and tiny pink or white flowers create a soft, ethereal look that complements the bold, glossy fronds of the ferns. Try planting 'Pink Skyrocket' foamflower with your autumn ferns for a delightful display.

7. Lungwort

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a shade-loving perennial that's known for its unique foliage. Its leaves are green with silver spots, creating a lovely mottled effect that pairs well with the coppery-red fronds of autumn ferns. Plant 'Sissinghurst White' lungwort with your ferns for a showy display of white and green.

8. Lady Fern

Lady ferns (Athyrium filix-femina) are another type of fern that pairs well with autumn ferns. Their delicate, lacy fronds create a soft, feminine look that contrasts nicely with the bold, glossy fronds of the autumn ferns. Try planting 'Victoriae' lady fern with your autumn ferns for a stunning combination.

9. Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal (Polygonatum) is a shade-loving perennial that's known for its arching stems and delicate white flowers. Its distinctive foliage creates a nice contrast to the bold fronds of autumn ferns. Consider planting 'Variegatum' Solomon's seal with your ferns for a splash of creamy white color.

10. Coral Bells

Coral bells (Heuchera) are a low-growing perennial that's perfect for planting as ground cover around your autumn ferns. Their colorful foliage and delicate flowers create a lovely contrast to the bold fronds of the ferns. Try planting 'Midnight Rose' coral bells with your autumn ferns for a striking display of pink and black.

Autumn ferns are a versatile and attractive plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. When paired with one or more of these stunning companion plants, they truly shine. Whether you're looking to create a woodland-style garden or simply want to add some visual interest to your borders or containers, consider adding some autumn ferns and their companions to your garden this season.

FAQs

Q1. What are the ideal growing conditions for autumn ferns?

A. Autumn ferns prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil that's kept consistently moist. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefer a slightly acidic soil pH.

Q2. How often should I water my autumn ferns?

A. Autumn ferns should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. During periods of drought or high temperatures, they may require additional watering to prevent wilting or leaf burn.

Q3. Do autumn ferns require fertilizer?

A. Autumn ferns don't require a lot of fertilizer, but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can cause the fronds to become too large and floppy.

Q4. Can I divide my autumn ferns?

A. Yes, autumn ferns can be divided in the spring or fall by digging up the clump and separating it into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade. Be sure to replant each section at the same depth it was previously growing and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.

Q5. Are autumn ferns deer-resistant?

A. While no plant is completely deer-proof, autumn ferns are generally considered deer-resistant due to their tough, leathery fronds. However, hungry deer may still nibble on them if other food sources are scarce.

Great! Let's by discussing some potential companion plants for Autumn Fern. Some popular options include:

Hosta - Hostas are shade-loving plants that pair well with Autumn Fern's preference for indirect sunlight. They also provide a nice contrast in foliage, with their broad, flat leaves.
Heuchera - Another shade-loving plant, Heucheras come in a variety of colors and add a pop of color to the garden bed. Their small, delicate flowers also provide interest throughout the growing season.
Tiarella - Also known as foamflower, Tiarellas have a similar growth habit to Heucheras and offer similar benefits. They have delicate white or pink flowers and interestingly shaped leaves.
Bleeding Heart - Bleeding Hearts are a classic shade garden plant and look lovely paired with the delicate fronds of Autumn Fern. Their pink or white heart-shaped flowers add visual interest and texture to the garden bed.

When it comes to planting Autumn Fern, it's important to keep in mind its preference for moist, well-draining soil. Pairing it with plants that have similar needs will help ensure a healthy and thriving garden bed. Sure thing! Another great companion plant option for Autumn Fern is the Astilbe. Like the fern, Astilbes prefer moist soil and partial shade. They produce beautiful, fluffy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white that contrast nicely with the fern's foliage.

Another potential pairing would be the Japanese painted fern. This fern has striking silvery-blue fronds that complement the deep green of the Autumn Fern. Both plants have a similar growth habit, making them a perfect match for a woodland garden or shady corner of the yard.

If you're looking to add some height to your garden bed, consider adding some Lenten Rose (Helleborus) alongside your Autumn Fern. These plants produce large, showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, and can grow up to two feet tall.

Remember, when choosing companion plants for your Autumn Fern, it's important to consider factors like light requirements, soil moisture, and overall growth habits. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden bed that showcases the unique beauty of this versatile fern.