Plant Encyclopedia
Discover plants for your garden — filter by sun, water, bloom time and more.
5 plants
FernsAthyrium filix-femina
Lady Fern
The lady fern is a graceful, native fern with finely divided, light green fronds that have an airier and more elegant appearance than most other ferns. The plant forms attractive, funnel-shaped clumps that unfurl with charming, coiled fiddleheads in spring. A perfect companion for hostas and other shade-loving plants.
FernsDryopteris filix-mas
Male Fern
The male fern is a robust, native fern that forms a stately funnel of bipinnate fronds. The foliage is bright green and elegantly arching, creating a lush atmosphere in shaded garden areas. The plant is semi-evergreen to evergreen and tolerates more drought than most ferns. A reliable choice for shade borders and woodland gardens.
FernsMatteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich Fern
Ostrich Fern is a majestic fern with large, elegantly arching, bright green fronds that mimic the shape of ostrich feathers — hence the name. The fronds can reach 150 centimetres tall and form a beautiful, funnel-shaped rosette. In autumn, separate dark brown fertile fronds appear in the centre of the plant. The fern spreads via underground runners.
FernsOsmunda regalis
Royal Fern
The Royal Fern is the largest native fern in Europe and looks truly regal with its broad, elegantly arching, bipinnate fronds that can reach two metres tall. In summer, brown spore-bearing plumes appear at the tips of some fronds, giving the plant a flower-like appearance. In autumn, the foliage turns beautifully bronze to golden yellow.
FernsPolystichum setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.