Ferns are one of the most versatile plants to add texture and softness to a shade garden. Northern (Adiantum pedatum) and Southern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) maidenhair ferns are native to the Southeast. When planted in the right conditions, they add an airy and ethereal touch to a shady area.
The genus name Adiantum is derived from the Greek word adiantos, meaning unwetted, as maidenhair ferns have water-repellant foliage. The species name,pedatum, for the Northern maidenhair fern, means bird’s foot in Latin. The Southern maidenhair fern’s species name, capillus-veneris, comes from Latin, meaning hair (capillus) and Venus (veneris).
Both species of maidenhair ferns grow best in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. These beautiful ferns should receive a few hours of early morning sun only if planted in partial shade. The fronds will turn brown if kept too dry or in too much sun. They will slowly spread by rhizomes and are deciduous. If you have issues with deer eating your hostas, substitute them with maidenhair ferns, as deer seldom bother them. There are rarely issues with insects or diseases.
The Northern maidenhair fern has palmately divided fronds (finger-like projections, similar to fingers radiating from the palm of your hand). The bright green foliage contrasts well with the reddish-brown to black wiry stems. The new fiddleheads will have a pink cast when emerging in the spring. It is cold hardy from USDA planting zones 3 through 8 and will be 1 to 3 feet tall and wide.
The Southern maidenhair fern, also commonly called Venus-hair, has fine, lacy foliage and adds a graceful, delicate touch to a shady garden planting. The wiry stems are black and contrast well with the verdant green
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