Searching for ferns that’ll make your garden look tropical without all the fuss?
These 7 varieties are the secret to creating a low-maintenance jungle paradise.
They’re perfect for anyone who wants stunning tropical vibes without the work.
Top Low-Maintenance Fern Varieties
Remember when I thought ferns were fussy plants? Boy, was I wrong! These varieties have proven themselves to be incredibly forgiving, even when I forget to water them during hectic school weeks.
1. Himalayan Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum venistum)
This delicate beauty has stolen my heart. Its light green fronds remind me of fairy wings dancing in my garden.
At just 22-38 cm tall, it’s perfect for those cozy corners near my back porch.
I learned the hard way to keep it protected from wind, but give it some dappled shade and it’ll reward you with the most gorgeous display.
2. Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
I first spotted this native beauty during a family hiking trip, and knew I had to have it in my garden.
Standing proudly at 45-60 cm, it’s become my go-to evergreen fern for problem spots.
The best part? It only needs a quick tidy-up in spring – perfect for us busy moms!
3. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
Talk about a show-stopper! The silver and burgundy colors on this 30-38 cm stunner make my neighbors stop in their tracks.
Unlike its upright cousins, this one has a lovely spreading habit that reminds me of a waterfall.
My kids call it the “mermaid fern” because of its magical coloring.
4. Wallich’s Wood Fern (Dryopteris wallichiana)
This 90 cm giant is what I call my “set it and forget it” fern.
Every spring, it unfurls these amazing bright green shuttlecock-shaped fronds that look straight out of a dinosaur movie.
I planted three together near my patio, and the grouping looks absolutely spectacular.
5. Shuttlecock Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
When I need to fill a large space, this 1-1.5 meter beauty is my go-to choice.
The bright green shuttlecocks emerge in early spring like nature’s alarm clock.
Just keep the soil moist, and it’ll thrive with practically zero attention.
6. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)
This majestic 1.5-meter giant lives up to its royal name in my garden.
I planted mine near our small garden pond, where it gets all the moisture it craves.
The autumn bronze display is simply breathtaking – it’s like having a sunset right in your garden.
7. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
This 24-40 cm evergreen fern is like having three plants in one.
The fronds emerge coppery pink in spring, mature to deep green in summer, and transform to bronze in fall.
It’s become my favorite ground cover for those tricky shaded spots where nothing else seems to grow.