The Most Popular Ferns for Shade in Zone 10

Royal Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 6 varieties. Large, stately fronds bring near-prehistoric presence to reliably moist ground.

Sensitive Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Sensitive fern spreads into relaxed colonies, with bead-like fertile fronds for winter.

Maidenhair Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 15 varieties. Black stems and fan-shaped leaflets give maidenhair ferns unusual delicacy.

Chain Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 6 varieties. Large, chain-marked fronds make a bold statement beside water or in damp shade.

Maiden Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 10 varieties. Soft, fine-textured fronds spread naturally through moist woodland ground.

Boston Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 9 varieties. Long, arching fronds quickly create the full, cascading fern look.

Wood Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 74 varieties. Substantial, shuttlecock-shaped fronds give shade beds dependable backbone.

Holly Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 16 varieties. Glossy, holly-like leaflets make this fern feel unusually crisp and architectural.

Cliffbrake

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 7 varieties. Its representative is notable for being dry-spell tolerant and usually passed over by deer.

Spikemoss

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 9 varieties. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and early spring flowering.

Felt Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 9 varieties. Its representative is notable for being dry-spell tolerant and usually passed over by deer.

Brake Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 7 varieties. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and late summer flowering.

Climbing Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being mid-summer flowering.

Bamboo Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 6 varieties. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and mid-summer flowering.

Shield Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 20 varieties. Firm, finely divided fronds make an orderly evergreen or semi-evergreen clump.

Resurrection Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being dry-spell tolerant and usually passed over by deer.

Leatherleaf Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being usually passed over by deer and easy-care.

Blue Star Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being late summer flowering and easy-care.

Maidenhair Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being late summer flowering and easy-care.

Lady Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 37 varieties. Finely cut fronds, often silver or burgundy-tinted, illuminate dark corners.