In the southeastern U.S., ferns are important additions to shady perennial and woodland gardens. Ferns can be used as a ground cover to soften the hard edges of water features, rocks and paths, and make wonderful filler for mixed container plantings. Ferns do not flower or seed, but instead, reproduce by spores that usually form on the underside of leaves (fronds). Ferns, whether deciduous or evergreen forms, are mostly clump forming or spread by rhizomes. Divide clumps every 3-5 years in spring or fall.

The five evergreen species featured here grow in partial shade, but are also tolerant of deep shade. Most ferns prefer humus-rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Ferns can be planted in spring or fall when rain is plentiful. Trim off worn and torn fronds in late winter, and new spring growth will freshen up open plant places. Established ferns tolerate summer heat and humidity and are moderately drought tolerant.

When planted on the proper site, ferns are generally free of pests and diseases. Slugs and snails tend to be the most common problems and crown rot can develop if soil drainage is poor. Most (not all) ferns tend to be deer resistant.

Here in the mid-South region, these five evergreen ferns – Christmas fern, Autumn fern, Tassel fern, Korean Rock fern, and Holly ferns are garden favorites. Look for them at garden centers plant nurseries, and specialty retail shops.

• Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) –  native to woodland hillsides and mountain slopes in Japan, China and Taiwan, grows 1-2 feet high by 2-3 feet wide new. New fronds emerge with a coppery-pink tint in spring and gradually transition to glossy deep green by mid-summer.  (z 5-8)

• Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) – this native fern grows in a fountain-like clump to 2 feet high with dark green, leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen fronds at Christmas; also tolerate dry and slightly alkaline soil. z 3-9

• Japanese Tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) – grows 1-2 feet high by 1-2 feet wide with lustrous, dark-green fronds from central crown. Outward spreading, vase shaped clump; an elegant evergreen fern with overlapping pinnae. z 5-8 

• Korean Rock fern (Polystichum tsus-simensis) – grows 12-15 inches high with round shiny dark green fronds with black stems and delicate dark veining through the pinnae (leaflets). New spring leaves start out with a purplish cast. z 6-9

• Japanese Holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) grows 1-2 feet high by 2-3 feet wide with arching, glossy, dark-green fronds with thick, leathery pinnae. Spores spread by wind and naturalize freely into other parts of the garden, (z 6-10).