Ferns
Asplenium scolopendrium
Ferns are often only considered for growing in shady areas where little else will grow yet there are some fantastic textures with contrasts in foliage and shape making them well worth growing in other areas as well.
There are some varieties that produce orange-green fresh new foliage. Some varieties such as asplenium will keep their foliage over the winter but also produce new leaves in the spring.
There is a good range of sizes from the small growing varieties at less than 15cm (6") to tall growing ferns such as omunda reaching 2m (6ft) but the majority are between 50cm and 1m (1½ft to 3ft)
Although ferns are associated with dark places, they will happily grow in full sun, shade or partial shade and they grow best in moist areas.
Ferns look good at the edge of water features or ponds and streams where they will also benefit from the moisture in the air. In partially shaded areas try planting with hostas and heuchers for more foliage texture or helleborus for early flowers.
Dryopteris
Athyrium nipponicum pictum
Asplenium ceterach
