The Most Popular Ferns for Shade in Zone 5

Ostrich Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 3 varieties. Tall, vase-shaped fronds create one of the most immersive fern colonies.

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.

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.

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.

Wood Fern

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

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.

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.

Deer Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 2 varieties. Orderly, ladder-like fronds bring a clean evergreen rhythm to sheltered 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.

Cinnamon Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Cinnamon-colored fertile fronds rise through a bold crown of green foliage.

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.

Twin-sorus Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Broad, arching fronds build a generous fern presence in rich, moist shade.

Hay-scented Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 2 varieties. Hay-scented fronds spread into soft, natural-looking colonies beneath trees.

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.

Spleenwort

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 9 varieties. Distinctive fronds add crisp form to crevices, walls, and sheltered shade.

Beech Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 1 variety. Its representative is notable for being North American native and early spring flowering.

False Spleenwort

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

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.

Lip Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 9 varieties. Small, often woolly fronds are adapted to rocky pockets other ferns avoid.

Holly Fern

Ranked by its most-saved matching variety; the full catalog includes 3 varieties. Glossy, leathery fronds keep shaded plantings polished and substantial.