Perennial Ferns
Easy Shade Texture For Under Trees, Woodland Beds, And Lush Green Groundcover
Perennial ferns are the fastest way to create a sense of intentional shade. If you’ve got bare soil under mature trees, a north-side bed that feels flat, or a woodland edge that needs a soft, layered finish, ferns bring instant texture—without relying on flowers to carry the show. Garden Goods Direct’s fern collection is built around the real reasons people buy ferns online: they thrive in shaded areas, add rich green structure, and can succeed where other plants struggle—including dry, shaded spots under established trees.
The best part is how “set it and enjoy it” they can be when you match the fern to your conditions. Some ferns are perfect for consistently moist ground—ideal for woodland gardens and rainier corners—while others tolerate drier shade once established. And when you want coverage, many ferns naturalize happily and create that cool, tucked-in garden feel that looks like it’s been there for years. Order with confidence: you’ll get fast shipping, clear planting guidance, and real horticultural support backed by the We Grow Together Promise.
Why ferns belong in your shade Garden.
If you’re shopping for perennial ferns for sale, you’re usually trying to solve a specific shade problem: “What can I plant where nothing else thrives?” Ferns belong in this conversation because they’re one of the most dependable answers. Our ferns are among the easiest-to-grow plants that add color and texture in shaded areas, including dry shade under mature trees—exactly the toughest spot in most landscapes.
They also deliver an immediate design upgrade. Fern fronds soften hard edges, hide bare stems at the base of shrubs, and make mulched beds look planted instead of empty. In professional landscape design, ferns are a go-to “linking plant”—they connect tall shrubs to the ground layer and make the entire bed read as one cohesive scene. That’s why ferns are such a smart cart add-on: they’re not just another plant; they’re the finishing layer that makes everything else look more expensive.
And ferns aren’t one-note. You can buy ferns for moist woodland pockets (like taller, bold growers) or choose refined textures for borders and containers. GGD’s assortment showcases a range of options, including Japanese Painted Fern for dramatic foliage in shaded settings, as well as other fern types selected for real-world landscape use.
How Ferns grow and look.
Ferns are foliage-first plants, and that’s the advantage: you get season-long texture without waiting for blooms. Fronds unfurl in spring, filling out into mounded clumps or layered fans, and create a lush, green presence that complements hostas, heuchera, hydrangeas, and shade-loving shrubs beautifully. Many gardeners shop for ferns specifically for that “cool, woodland” feel—especially when they want movement and softness without adding maintenance.
You’ll also find standout “statement foliage” within the category. Japanese Painted Fern, for example, is prized for its dramatic color tones and is often merchandised as a high-impact shade plant that looks intentional in both beds and containers. Other ferns bring bold height and presence (great for back-of-border structure), while some stay tighter and more refined (perfect for edging or massing as a textured ground layer). This size-and-form diversity is what makes ferns so easy to design with: you can build layers using only ferns, or use them as the “green glue” that pulls mixed plantings together.
Seasonally, many ferns are at their best from spring through fall, and some types can provide evergreen or semi-evergreen presence depending on species and climate. For shoppers, that means ferns are a value buy: they show up early, hold their look, and don’t demand constant grooming to stay attractive.
Where ferns work best.
Ferns shine where shade is a feature, not a limitation. Use them under trees, along north-facing foundations, in woodland gardens, beside shaded paths, and anywhere you want a planted look without the struggle of sun-loving perennials. We always recommend ferns for shaded landscapes, including dry shade, and also note that certain ferns can handle moist soil and naturalize into a groundcover when happy. That’s a big deal for shoppers: it means you can buy once and get more coverage over time.
For planning and spacing, think in “coverage blocks.” A simple, practical approach is to plant many common clumping ferns about 18–30 inches apart (depending on the variety) for quicker knit-in growth, or wider if you want distinct specimen clumps. Taller ferns or big spreaders need more room—always align spacing to the plant’s mature width so you avoid crowding and airflow issues.
Ferns also play well in functional placements. Need a shaded slope that needs rooting and coverage? Many ferns can help stabilize and soften that space. Want a clean border edge in shade? Use smaller, mounding ferns as a repeat plant. Want a “lush corner” near water or a downspout area? Choose moisture-tolerant ferns and let them create that naturalized woodland feel.
Care that’s simple and reliable.
Ferns are low-maintenance when you match them to the right conditions: shade or filtered light, soil that holds some moisture (but drains), and consistent watering during establishment. Many fern care guides emphasize the importance of humus-rich soil and steady moisture, with some tolerance for brief dryness once the fern is established, depending on the type. Mulching helps—especially under trees—because it reduces moisture swings and supports the woodland-style soil ferns love.
Watering is the main “success lever.” In the first season, keep the root zone evenly moist. After that, many landscape ferns are forgiving, especially in shaded beds where evaporation is lower. Fertilizing is generally light: compost topdressing or a gentle, balanced feed in spring can be enough for many varieties, and overfeeding is rarely necessary for good performance.
Cleanup is simple: remove damaged or dead fronds, and perform your major cutback/cleanup in late winter to early spring, before new fronds emerge (timing varies by evergreen vs. deciduous types and climate). The payoff is exactly what shoppers want when they buy perennial ferns online: a shade planting that looks lush, intentional, and calm—with fewer headaches—backed by the We Grow Together Promise.