GARDEN FERNS. Pot grown plants £4.09 each.

All varieties: Height may vary depending on site. Planting in less sheltered positions may reduce eventual height, while planting in deeper shade may produce taller plants.

ANTHYRUM FILIX FEMINA (Lady Fern).

Compact, 

feathery foliage.

 50cm (20 inches).

DRYOPTERIS affinis CRISTATA 

Feathery foliage.

'shuttlecock' shape

80cm (32 inches).  

Needs a reliably moist position in partial shade.

DRYOPTERIS EREYTHROSORA (Japanese Red Shield Fern).

The fronds (leaves) 

are copper coloured when young, 

slowly turning dark green as they age. 

Needs a sheltered position.

90cm (36 inches).

DRYOPTERIS filix-mas LINEARIS POLYDACTYLON  (Linear Male Fern).

Distinctive, 

upright growth.

90cm (36 inches).

MATTEUCCIA STRUTHIOPTERIS (Ostrich feather fern)

 They require a reliably moist position in partial shade. 

The 'shuttlecock' shape forms in spring 

with the production of sterile fronds. 

These are followed in summer by darker, 

narrower and more erect fertile* fronds 

which can persist over winter. 80cm (32 inches).

* Ferns produce spores on the undersides of fertile leaves. These are the fern equivalent of the seeds produced by flowering plants. The dust-like spores are dispersed on the wind, but will usually only germinate if the growing conditions are both suitable and constant.

POLYSTICHUM POLYBLEPHARUS (Japanese tassel fern).

A well drained position 

in part shade is best. 

Upright habit, 'shuttlecock' shape, 

evergreen. 50cm (20 inches).

POLYSTICHUM SETIFERUM  (Soft Shield Fern).

A well drained position 

in part shade is best.

 90cm (36 inches).

POLYSTICHUM TRIPPINATUM.

Coarse, prostrate foliage. 

A well drained position 

in part shade is best. 

60cm (24 inches).

Planting in a humus rich soil produces the best results. Unless stated otherwise, ferns require moist, shaded positions sheltered from strong winds.