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The American Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum pedatum, is a deciduous, clump-forming fern which typically grows 1.5 to 2' tall and is most frequently found on rich wooded slopes, ravine bottoms and damp shady woods. American Maidenhair Ferns prefer moist, shady conditions, but will grow in sunnier spots if kept moist. It features finely-textured, somewhat frilly fronds which have curved stalks and are palmately-divided (i.e., fronds divide into finger-like projections). The Maidenhair will grow in colder areas if the plant has good air circulation. This fern is a perennial and is deciduous in colder climates. Wiry stems are reddish-brown to black. Crosiers (coiled young fiddleheads) emerge pink in spring. This is a wetlands plant that does not flower or bloom. The attractive foliage is showcased in container plantings, foundation plantings, and groundcovers.

The 'Japanese Painted Fern'Ö, Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum', is a low maintance, deciduous fern with soft grayish-green and silvery dark maroon foliage. Being the Perennial of the Year for 2004, one can see why. 'Japanese Painted Fern'Ö has a plant spread of 24'¥ and a height of 24'¥ and a must to any garden. 'Japanese Painted Fern'Ö requires full shade, however, small amounts of afternoon sun give the most vibrant color to its foliage. A well-drained area is best, not allowing it to dry out. Perfect as a border plant, planted near streams or ponds or as an accent plant. It will contrast well with Hosta 'Patriot'Ö or Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Ö. Best of all, the Japanese Painted Fern can help with erosion control, while presenting minimal wind resistance.

Fern - Deer, Blechnum Spicant, is a hardy evergreen fern. The fronds are glossy, dark green and form a rosette. It requires a shaded growing area and a well-drained, acid soil high in organic matter. The plant is native to North America. Deer Fern is a beautiful and charming fern with fronds that have two strikingly different forms. The outer skirt of the frond is tapered at both ends. The central "fertile" fronds are stiffly erect. It creates an interesting effect and grows best with partial shade and regular moisture.

Fern - Spreading Wood Fern, Dryopteris Expansa, has a stout, woody, creeping or ascending stock with large, green lacy fronds. The leaflets of the fronds have fringed tips and sides. It grows one to two feet long, in open, graceful clumps, and has a ruffled look. Wood Fern is a species of fern native to cool, temperate, and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It prefers cool, moist mixed or evergreen forests and rock crevices on alpine slopes, often growing on rotting logs and tree stumps and rocky slopes. It is especially associated with stream banks. The species name of this fern, expansa, is from the Latin expando, meaning "to spread out, spread apart, to expand" Other common names include Northern Wood Fern, Arching Wood Fern, Spiny Wood Fern and Crested Wood Fern.

The Wildwood Twist Fern, 'Athyrium 'Wildwood Twist', is a hybrid of the Japanese Painted Fern. It is a deciduous fern which typically grows to 18" tall and features slowly spreading clumps of triangular, smoky gray and green fronds. The fronds twist along the length of the frond. Use this plant in the landscape to add color to shade gardens and in combinations with other perennials. The Wildwood Twist Fern is easily grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. The best site is in sheltered locations. The best frond color is achieved in light shade. The soil must not be allowed to dry out. Use this plant to add color to shade gardens and combinations with other perennials. It blends well with lungwort, foamflower and hostas.

The Ghost Fern, 'Athyrium niponicum var. pictum and Athyrium filix-feminais', is a deciduous hybrid fern. The characteristic that is most noteable is it's upright silvery foliage. The silvery foliage is acquired from its Japanese painted fern parent

The Red Beauty Fern, Athyrium 'Red Beauty', is a very vigorous and attractive relative to the Japanese Painted Fern. The Red Beauty Fern is a quick-growing plant for any partly to fully shaded garden location. The stems and veins remain bright red from spring to frost, while its long, elegant, lacy fronds cast silvery-green shadows in the shade. The upright fronds do not turn green in hot summer weather. You can use this plant as a groundcover because of its broad habit and fast growth. The Red Beauty can be used in containers, borders, and the fronds may be used for indoor arrangements. The deeply-dissected, fern-like, medium green leaves have a strong, somewhat spicy aroma that may persist when used in dried arrangements. Rabbits prefer not to eat on the Red Beauty Fern. Place this plant in moist, well-drained, enriched soil.

The Brilliance Fern, 'Dryopteris 'Brilliance', is a new colorful and more brilliant form of the Autumn Fern. The young fronds of this cultivars are showy and orange. The fronds hold their glossy green sheen at maturity. The growth habit is identical to the Autumn but as a whole it is dramatically more showy. This fern is a great addition to the fern garden. The Brilliance Fern is an evergreen fern and is slow-spreading. It'Ös easy to grow and is surprisingly drought tolerant once established in a garden.

Carefree elegance for damp, shady areas.

A terrific mix for those shady areas of your garden.

We've gathered some of our best-loved, best-performing ferns in this terrific mix.

A real conversation starter!