When it comes to companion planting with ferns, there are a plethora of beautiful options to choose from to create a stunning landscape. Ferns serve as an excellent backdrop for lower-growing spring bulbs. Pairing ferns with spring bulbs like crocus, English bluebells, checker lilies, and dwarf daffodils can create a visually captivating garden bed.
For early blooming perennials that complement ferns beautifully, consider wild ginger, bleeding hearts, Brunnera, bishop’s cap, and columbine. These plants offer a pop of color in the garden from early spring to early summer, harmonizing with the lush greenery of the ferns.
Adding ferns to your garden can also enhance the beauty of other shade-loving plants. Hostas, with their striking foliage, make a fantastic pairing with ferns, creating a dynamic contrast in color and texture. The combination of the broad leaves of hostas and the delicate fronds of ferns adds interest and depth to the garden.
Another excellent choice to complement ferns is coral bells. These perennial plants are known for their vibrant foliage in shades of bronze, purple, and silver, providing a colorful contrast to the verdant green of ferns. The airy texture of fern fronds paired with the bold hues of coral bells creates an eye-catching display.
When looking for taller companions to plant alongside ferns, consider astilbe. This perennial flower produces plumes of flowers in various shades, adding vertical interest to the garden bed. The feathery appearance of astilbe flowers pairs beautifully with the graceful fronds of ferns, creating a soft and romantic ambiance.
In addition to flowers, incorporating ornamental grasses can also enhance the visual appeal of ferns in the garden. Japanese forest grass, with its cascading habit and golden hues, can provide a striking contrast to the deep green of fern fronds. The combination of textural elements between the grass and ferns adds dimension to the planting scheme.
To create a woodland-inspired garden, consider planting ferns alongside tiarella, commonly known as foamflower. The delicate white or pink flowers of tiarella stand out against the backdrop of ferns, adding a touch of elegance to the shaded garden. The overlapping foliage of tiarella and ferns creates a cohesive and harmonious look.
For a bold and dramatic contrast in the garden, pair ferns with black mondo grass. The dark, almost black foliage of mondo grass creates a striking focal point when juxtaposed with the bright green fronds of ferns. This combination adds a contemporary and sophisticated touch to any garden design.
Incorporating flowering shrubs like hydrangeas can also complement ferns effectively. The large, showy blooms of hydrangeas provide a colorful and voluminous addition to the garden bed, complementing the delicate texture of fern fronds. The pairing of ferns and hydrangeas creates a lush and inviting atmosphere.
For a dynamic and texture-rich garden, consider planting ferns alongside variegated foliage plants like heuchera. The mottled leaves of heuchera in shades of green, silver, and purple add a layer of interest to the garden bed, complementing the intricate patterns of fern fronds. This combination creates a visually stimulating and diverse planting scheme.
To introduce a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the garden, consider incorporating ferns with ornamental onion plants like allium. The globe-shaped blooms of allium add a unique and architectural element to the garden, standing tall alongside the graceful fronds of ferns. This pairing creates a captivating juxtaposition of shapes and sizes.
Lastly, for a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant garden, consider planting ferns alongside sedum. The succulent foliage of sedum pairs well with the lush greenery of ferns, creating a visually appealing and easy-to-care-for planting combination. This duo provides a resilient and attractive option for gardeners looking to conserve water and reduce maintenance.
