If you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your garden, look no further than ferns! There are a variety of sun-loving fern species that can thrive in your garden, regardless of the climate or soil type.
We will provide an overview of some of the best sun-loving ferns for your garden. We’ll also provide tips on how to care for these plants. So read on to learn more!
Can Ferns Grow Under Full Sun?
Ferns are a type of plant that is often found in shady, moist areas. This is because they require high humidity levels and can be easily damaged by direct sunlight. However, some species of fern can tolerate more sun than others.
Ferns That Love Full Sun
Japanese Climbing Fern
The Japanese Climbing Fern is a hardy plant that can tolerate various moisture levels, from wet to dry. It also resists humidity and drought, making it a versatile choice for gardens in diverse climates.
It thrives best in full light but can withstand a little shade. It also prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil and is hardy to cold temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
This fast-growing plant can reach a height of 90 feet in nature, making it an appealing choice for gardeners looking to add some vertical interest to their landscape. The Japanese Climbing Fern can be propagated by division. It is considered invasive in some areas, so check your local regulations before planting.
Meadow Fern
The Meadow Fern, also known as the Marsh Fern, is a perennial deciduous plant that is hardy to extreme cold. It forms underground rhizomes and can grow to a height of 12 to 30 inches.
This plant prefers full sun but can withstand partial shade. It prefers acidic soil. The Meadow Fern is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a plant that is easy to care for and maintain.
Maidenhair Spleenwort
The Maidenhair Spleenwort is a perennial evergreen fern that forms underground rhizomes. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 2a, which can tolerate extremely cold temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers full sun, but it can survive in a partly shady area and with acidic soil.
The Maidenhair Spleenwort grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and tolerates moderate to dry moisture levels, making it a good choice for xeriscaping.
Northern Maidenhair Fern
The Northern Maidenhair Fern is a great option if you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant to add to your garden. This fern is native to North America and prefers moist conditions, but it is adaptable to various environments.
The Northern Maidenhair Fern can grow in full sun or partial shade and prefers soil with a neutral pH of 6.8 to 7.2. The Northern Maidenhair Fern is also cold-hardy, allowing it to thrive in colder regions.
It grows to 12 to 24 inches and has a width of 12 to 24 inches.
Moa
The Moa is an epiphytic perennial evergreen fern, meaning it climbs up and lives on other plants, such as trees. It can tolerate full sun but prefers partial or full shade. It has dark green, leathery fronds that can grow up to 3 feet long. The Moa is an attractive plant that is easy to care for. It is also drought-tolerant and does not require much water.
Sensitive Fern
The Sensitive Fern is a plant that thrives in moist conditions, making it a perfect choice for bog gardens. This fern is also very hardy and able to withstand severely cold temperatures. Additionally, the Sensitive Fern is relatively low maintenance, needing only full sun or partial shade and acidic to neutral soil.
Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant, making it a good choice for gardeners concerned about pests. The Sensitive Fern can grow to be 1-4 feet tall and 6-18 inches wide, providing a splash of green in any garden.
Bracken Fern
Bracken Fern is a hardy plant that can tolerate various growing conditions. It prefers full sun but can survive in partial shade, and it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil but can tolerate a much wider range of pH levels.
This plant is also quite tolerant of cold weather, be it humidity, drought, or frost. It is hardy to Zone 3a, which means it can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to size, Bracken Fern can grow anywhere from 2 to 7 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Finally, this plant can be propagated by division, making it easy to grow more of them. Bracken Fern is an incredibly versatile plant that would make a great addition to any garden.
Final Thoughts
Sun-loving ferns are a great addition to any yard. They add color and texture, and they’re relatively low-maintenance. When choosing a sun-loving fern for your garden, consider your local growing conditions and the plant’s specific needs. With so many different species to choose from, there is sure to be a sun-loving fern that is perfect for your garden.