How to grow ferns in dry shade
Monty Don reveals his top tips for planting ferns in dry shade, with advice on which species to choose.
Ferns are a great choice if you're looking for plants for dry shade. In this clip from Gardeners' World, Monty Don plants the soft shield fern, Polystichum setiferum and the scaly male fern, Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata The King' in his woodland garden. Then, in his Dry Garden, which has very poor soil, he plants the common polypody, Polypodium vulgare, with the crispy hart's tongue fern Asplenium scolopendrium 'Marginatum'. Although ferns are fairly drought tolerant, they do need some water so Monty offers tips on maintaining optimum moisture levels in the first year after planting. Watch now, to discover how to grow ferns in dry shade.
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Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
