WHEN is the Best Time to Plant Ferns? FALL!
Fall is truly the perfect season to plant ferns. Cooler weather gives them time to establish strong roots before all the new leaf growth of spring and summer. Most ferns are evergreen, which means you’ll enjoy their beauty well into autumn. And here’s an added bonus, they’re usually deer resistant! Of course, a hungry deer might still take a nibble, but most of the time your ferns will be left alone.
Here’s my little fern motto: The more you love them, the less they love you. In other words, they don’t need a lot of attention. Once planted in fall, ferns prefer to be left alone while they focus on rooting. Come spring and summer, that’s the time to give them a boost of fertilizer (get my simple fern fertilizer recipe here!) and a little extra care so they’ll leap into the new season.
These ferns are perfect for fall planting!
Four Fantastic Ferns To PLANT FOR Fall
Southern Shield Fern
Also called Southern River Wood, this fern is a hardy evergreen that stays lush and green even during cold weather. I love how well it performs in Zones 7–8 and farther south. In northern climates, it can be grown in containers or treated as an annual.
Southern Shield Ferns don’t require much water and thrive in shady spots. A touch of sun is fine, but too much light will cause the fronds to turn pale. In the ground, they can grow up to 4 feet tall! I keep a container by my back door, and it’s always handy for clipping greenery to tuck into floral arrangements.
Ribbon Fern
Ribbon Ferns are another classic, especially in Zone 8A. These beauties can grow quite large if you give them space. Lanie told me her grandmother had one that became a showpiece, spending summers outdoors and winters inside.
As the seasons shift, the fronds subtly change color, adding even more interest to your garden or containers.
Autumn Fern
This one lives up to its name, it’s a must-have for fall. Landscapers love Autumn Ferns for their wide fronds and impressive size, reaching up to 4 feet tall.
They’re evergreen, but in spring the new growth often appears in shades of orange and bronze, making them a gorgeous accent in any garden. If you’re just getting started with gardening, this fern is an easy and rewarding choice.
Holly Fern
With its deep emerald fronds, the Holly Fern shines in winter gardens. It’s simple to grow, long-lasting, and can grow larger depending on its container or garden space.
One of my favorite uses is cutting fronds for holiday arrangements. They bring that fresh, natural greenery indoors all season long.
Combined with dark ajuga in the foreground, Southern Shield ferns light up the shade under the trees at the farm! Cast iron plants and Mahonia fill out the background.
Tips for Planting Ferns Around Trees
If you’re thinking about adding some greenery under your trees, ferns are one of the best choices you can make. They love the shade that trees provide, and once they’re settled in, they fill those quiet spaces with lush, leafy texture.
Ferns are naturally woodland plants, which means they’re right at home under tree canopies. They don’t compete heavily with tree roots for nutrients, and they thrive in the cool, moist soil that shaded areas often hold onto.
Choose the right fern varieties. Southern Shield, Autumn Fern, and Holly Fern are all excellent for landscaping under trees because they handle shade well and stay beautiful through much of the year.
Prepare the soil. Add organic matter like compost or leaf mold to improve drainage and keep the soil light. Ferns prefer loose, rich soil that mimics a forest floor.
Mind the roots. Instead of digging large holes that might damage tree roots, tuck ferns into small spaces between roots. They’ll spread naturally over time.
Keep them mulched. A thin layer of pine straw or shredded leaves will help ferns stay moist and comfortable, while also blending in naturally with the landscape.
Water as needed. Until your ferns are established, give them a little extra water during dry spells. Once their roots are in place, they’ll mostly take care of themselves.
Why Ferns Shine in Shady Landscapes
Ferns bring a woodland charm that’s hard to beat. Their fronds add movement and softness under big trees, balancing out rough bark and heavy branches. Many varieties stay green through fall and winter, giving you color when other plants have gone dormant. Plus, since most ferns are deer resistant, you won’t have to worry too much about your forest visitors.
Planting ferns under your trees is a simple way to bring life to shaded spots that might otherwise feel empty. With just a little prep and patience, you’ll soon have a carpet of graceful greenery that makes your trees look even more majestic.
If you want to enjoy the timeless beauty of ferns in your landscaping, Fall is the time to plant.
Ferns are the garden addition you need to plant now. As the temps continue to drop, make sure you get your ferns in the ground before the first frost to allow them time to root before growing to new heights. Watch my full video on YouTube below for all the fern details, and follow along @CarmenJohnstonGardens on Instagram and Facebook for daily garden tips!