Most ferns prefer a shady site with acidic soil.
Ferns may not be the most commonly grown plants in home gardens, but these delicate woodland plants can add a peaceful atmosphere to backyards and gardens. If you have acidic soil where you live, then you are in luck. Most ferns grow best in slightly to moderately acidic soil, and they tend to fare best with moist soil and dappled shade.
Evergreen Wood Fern
Evergreen wood ferns, also known as intermediate wood ferns, grow best in moist to wet soil with lots of shade. Acidic soil is ideal, and these ferns will grow in soil with a pH between about 5.0 and 6.5. They are evergreen, as their name suggests, and reach a height of 18 to 36 inches, with hardy blue-green fronds.
Cinnamon Fern
Cinnamon fern is deciduous and has waxy, deep-green foliage. It grows to 24 or 36 inches, reaching up to 60 inches in rare cases. Cinnamon fern grows in slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It can grow in sun or shade, but requires greater moisture in a sunny location. It is fairly drought-tolerant if grown in the shade.
Royal Fern
A large, coarse-textured fern, royal fern can reach a height of up to 6 feet if given ample water. It generally reaches 3 or 4 feet, and grows best in full or partial shade. Royal ferns grow best in moist soil, but avoid planting them in excessively wet and waterlogged sites. they require acid soil, with an ideal pH between 5.0 and 6.0.
Ostrich Fern
Ostrich fern generally reaches 3 to 5 feet and features shiny dark green leaves which, true to its name, often resemble ostrich feathers. The leaves spread out from a central clump. These ferns can grow in sun or shade, with a mix of both being ideal. The best soil for ostrich fern is fertile, moist, well-drained and slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
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