Try these ferns in shady landscapes

Who says shade gardens have to fade into the background? Ferns are among the plants that can turn cool, quiet corners into enchanting spaces in the landscape.

I recently came across some stunning ferns that use splashes of texture, color and graceful movement to turn dim spots into showpieces.

One of my absolute favorites is the Japanese painted fern, a true work of living art.

Each frond is brushed in shimmering shades of silver, pewter and soft green, with veins that glow in deep burgundy and violet. The overall effect looks almost hand-painted, especially when the morning light filters through the leaves.

This fern stays compact -- usually about 12 to 18 inches tall -- and its mounding form makes it perfect for the front of shady borders, along pathways, or nestled among hostas and heucheras. The Japanese painted fern brightens up dim corners and pairs beautifully with darker foliage like black mondo grass or deep green ferns.

Japanese painted ferns love consistently moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They appreciate a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep their shallow roots cool during the heat of summer.

For a bolder presence, the Southern wood fern delivers structure and lush greenery in abundance.

This native beauty grows tall and upright, with gracefully arching fronds that can reach 3 feet tall. Each frond is deeply divided and has a bold, leathery texture that stands up well to summer heat and humidity.

The Southern wood fern is tough, dependable and ideal for naturalized plantings beneath trees or in woodland gardens. Once established, the plant tolerates occasional dry spells, but it looks its best when given regular moisture.

Its vibrant green fronds create a striking contrast when planted along a brick or stone pathway, where its bright foliage softens the hard edges and adds movement when the wind stirs.

Then there’s the delicate Maidenhair fern, perhaps the most graceful of all.

This plant has slender, wiry black stems that hold clusters of small, fan-shaped leaflets that flutter lightly in the slightest breeze. The texture is fine and airy, giving the plant an almost ethereal appearance.

Despite its delicate look, the Maidenhair fern is surprisingly sturdy if growing conditions are right. It prefers consistent moisture, high humidity and filtered light, and thrives in shady woodland beds.

This fern is a charming addition to decorative containers and is especially at home near water features or garden fountains where the air stays cool and damp.

These ferns prove that shade gardens can be just as colorful, textural and full of character as any sunny flowerbed.

If you have a shady area in your landscape, consider adding the silvery shimmer of Japanese painted fern, the bold greenery of Southern wood fern or the soft elegance of Maidenhair fern. These beauties turn quiet corners of the landscape into serene retreats bursting with beauty and life.