Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Ferns

Low-Maintenance Ferns

Dating back to 360 million years ago, ferns are one of the oldest plant lineages. They are a lovely choice for filling out shaded areas of the landscape. Keep reading to learn about some ferns that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County.

Note: The following information is adapted from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide.

Legend

Apart from the information presented in the table, the following features will be highlighted under each plant’s picture.

Light

Full sun: At least 6 hours of full sun

Part sun: 2-4 hours of full sun per day

Full shade: Full shade

Perks

Pollinator-friendly: Attracts pollinators

Attracts birds: Attracts birds

Edible: Edible parts*

Geography

Native: Native

Non-native: Non-native

 

Ferns

Sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Native sword fern
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program™

Part sunFull shade Native

Height 1 to 4 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness 8B to 11
Light Requirement Partial sun to full shade
Salt Tolerance Low
Drought Tolerance Medium
Soil Preference Slightly acidic (6.0-6.8), clay loam, medium-drained
Comments
  • Should not be confused with the exotic invasive fern Nephrolepis cordifolia

Read more here.

Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum)

Bracken fern
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program™

Full sun Part sunNative

Height 3 to 6 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness 3A to 10B
Light Requirement Full to partial sun
Salt Tolerance Low
Drought Tolerance Medium
Soil Preference Acidic to slightly alkaline (4.5-7.2), sandy loam, medium-drained
Comments
  • Toxic to livestock in large quantities

Read more here.

Holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

Holly fern
Credit: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions

Full sun Part sunFull shade Non-native

Height 2 to 3 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness 8A to 11
Light Requirement Full sun to full shade
Salt Tolerance Medium
Drought Tolerance Medium
Soil Preference Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.2), medium to well-drained
Comments
  • Resistant to deer damage
  • Fronds are dark green and leathery

Read more here.

Southern shield fern (Thelypteris kunthii)

Southern shield fern
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program™

Full sun Part sunFull shade Native

Height 2 to 3 feet
Growth Rate Fast
Hardiness 8A to 11
Light Requirement Full sun to full shade
Salt Tolerance Low
Drought Tolerance Medium
Soil Preference Slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0), medium to well-drained
Comments
  • Resistant to deer damage
  • Leaves turn bronze in the fall

Read more here.

If you want to learn about other low-maintenance plants for your landscape, read the rest of our Low-Maintenance Landscaping blog series.

*Although we discuss edibility in this blog, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is not responsible for any illness or injury associated with foraging. Be aware that some plants may have been treated with pesticides and are not fit for human consumption. Always exercise caution.

0

Forest Hecker, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Educator for Sarasota County's UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department.Ashley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
Posted: March 5, 2024


Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Lml, Low, Low-maintenance Landscaping, Maintenance, Pgm_Water, Use, Water


Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories