skip to main content

Hardy fern suggestions?

20 years ago

Hey Y'all,

I have a large, unplanted plastic pot in one shaded corner of my balcony that is YELLING for a fern! Because of the limited space, I'd prefer one that is erect rather than sprawling. And though the site is mostly protected, when strong weather comes through, it can get temporarily windy there.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Trent

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

jetred
20 years ago
I just purchased a Japanese Painted Fern. Its gorgeous! That would be my recommendation.
giboosi_alttara
19 years ago
JPF will not get very tall, though. You might look for 'Ghost', though, which is a JPF/athyrium hybrid, iirc, which will get much taller and has the lovely vase shape.
Related Professionals
Ferndale Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rancho Palos Verdes Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Williamsburg Landscape Contractors · Edwardsville Landscape Contractors · Fairfield Landscape Contractors · Paso Robles Landscape Contractors · Pleasanton Landscape Contractors · San Benito Landscape Contractors · Thornton Landscape Contractors · Woodburn Landscape Contractors · Enumclaw Window Contractors · Fishers Window Contractors · Greenburgh Window Contractors · Morro Bay Window Contractors · Sherman Oaks Window Contractors
arbo_retum
19 years ago
maidenhair ferns are about 18" tall in my gardens and so very beautiful and graceful. don't know about wind resistance; mine are all in shaded sheltered spots.i think your best bet, aestheticlaly, is to center the maidenhair in the pot and put jap.painted ferns around it as a skirt. that way you play off two color schemes with different heights and textures- much more interesting than just one type of plant in a pot. best--

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Autumn Fern Adds Color All Year

Use this evergreen, easy-care fern for soft texture and coppery tints in container gardens and the landscape at large

PLANTING IDEAS Ferns: A Shade Gardener’s Best Friend

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Bring rich texture and contrast to a dark woodland landscape with wonderfully diverse ferns

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Try this giant among ferns for a showstopping sight in a shady or even somewhat sunny woodland garden

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Sensitive Fern Shows Its Strengths

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Wondering what will thrive in your wet, shady garden? It’s Onoclea sensibilis to the rescue

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Northern Maidenhair Fern Softens Shade Gardens

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Stir up some romance in dark corners with the billowy fronds of native Adiantum pedatum

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Fantastic Ferns to Enliven Shady Garden Spots

By Matt Kilburn

For long-term interest with little upkeep in challenging conditions, ferns might just be your garden's new best friend

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Fabulous Shade-Loving Ferns for Containers

By Olander Garden Design

Shade-loving ferns can add color and texture to your container designs

FOLIAGE Great Design Plant: Foxtail Fern

By Annie Thornton

Not actually a fern, this vivid member of the asparagus family has a distinctive appearance to awaken a garden year-round

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Western Sword Fern Adds Prehistoric Drama

For distinctive looks and easy care in a shade garden, go for North American native Polystichum munitum

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Japanese Painted Fern Weaves a Garden Tapestry

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Bring striking colors and texture to your woodland garden with Athyrium niponicum var. pictum

Sponsored

Everingham Design

Columbus' Home Design Experts Specializing in Custom Cabinets