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When you think of ferns, do you picture a cool, dense forest with filtered light and beautiful ferns spreading under the trees? I know that I do, and it is a refreshing vision indeed when we are in the midst of a stifling heat wave here in Southwest Florida! But ferns actually flourish in Florida due to our temperate to subtropical climate and moisture.
Fern spores have been transported from Caribbean Islands to Florida by tropical storms and winds, resulting in a wide diversity of fern species. In fact, with more than 123 native fern species and 21 exotic species of ferns, Florida has more species of ferns than any state except Hawaii.
While we all love bright colors in our landscape, foliage provides texture and a green backdrop for our vibrant tropical blooms. Ferns such as the native sword fern can be used as low-maintenance groundcovers, while the Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi) is an impressive specimen plant that can reach a height of 15 or even 30 feet! The staghorn fern, with its distinctive antler-shaped fronds, is a Florida favorite that can be displayed in baskets, mounted on wood plaques or nestled on tree branches. (Please note that UF/IFAS has advised that "gardeners should plant staghorn fern with caution and manage its growth to prevent escape.") Ferns aren't limited to the landscape but are excellent plants for pots that you can maintain on your porch or lanai to provide a cooling, green accent.
While most fern varieties prefer shade or partial shade, there are some Florida ferns that don't require full shade. The foxtail fern grows in full sun to partial shade, but has a fuller, dense habit in full sun. Ferns in the Osmunda family include the cinnamon fern, which grows quite well in truly full, all-day sunlight. Ostrich ferns will tolerate sun but enjoy protection from harsh afternoon sun. Japanese shield ferns are tall, clumping ferns with leathery fronds that are heat and sun tolerant. Golden polypody ferns are epiphytic (a plant that grows on another plant but does not feed from it) and you have probably noticed these ferns growing in the boots (old leaf bases) of cabbage palms; these ferns can also be grown in soil or on rocks. The Kimberly queen fern is an upright fern with sword-shaped fronds; this Australian native will tolerate hot temperatures and some sunlight but is best contained in pots as it spreads rapidly!
I have always been fascinated by the different forms and textures of ferns, and I had a large fern section in a corner of my garden sheltered by a huge bougainvillea. Then Ian hit, and not only did the bougainvillea have to be removed, but the neighboring shrubs and palms were thinned out and left my ferns in bright sun. I had to scramble to find shelter for the ferns until I could re-establish some shade. Now that my native firebush shrubs have again filled out, I have relocated my favorite tender ferns to the dense shade under the firebush. I also have several varieties of ferns in pots on my lanai where they enjoy the shade and provide a bright green texture with minimal care.
If you'd like to try some ferns in your garden or on your lanai, here are some of my favorite varieties. Bird's nest ferns are native to tropical Asia, so they love our climate. I have several cultivars including the tightly swirled leaves of the 'Hurricane' variety; the rippled leaves of the "Lasagna" variety, and the upright "Leslie" variety with ruffles at the end of each leaf. Variegated Boston fern/sword fern adds a lime green accent to my lanai and a great pop of tropical color. The blue star fern is a distinctive upright fern, which as the name suggests, has a blue tone and is a standout in the garden. Maidenhair ferns add a delicate look to your garden as they seem to float above the landscape.cI also have ostrich ferns that have grown quite large in my garden and offer a feathery complement to the neighboring bromeliads.
My favorite fern is the crocodile fern, which, true to its name, has green strappy leaves which bear a crocodile skin pattern on the top surface.cI tried, unsuccessfully, to grow these ferns in pots on the lanai, and found that they were much happier out in the landscape under the shade of my firebush. These ferns are very slow growing and don't seem to like a regular watering schedule when planted in pots, but they are thriving now in my garden!
While the vivid blooms on many of our flowering plants are quite enticing, I find that the cool green texture of ferns offers a beautiful contrast in the garden. If you'd like to try some ferns, a good starting point might be potted varieties on your lanai. Once you begin to appreciate the texture and softness of these unique plants, I hope you'll find a shady spot in your garden where you can place these carefree beauties and enjoy them for years to come!
Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at gardenclubofcapecoral.com.