Adiantum aethiopicum, also known as the common maidenhair fern, is a small fern of widespread distribution, occurring in Africa, Australia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand. Adiantum aethiopicum was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus, in this case in his Systema naturae in 1759. The specific epithet aethiopicum in this sense was the Latin term for Africa south of the then known world, that is to say, more or less Africa south of Egypt. In South Africa the species occurs widely, though not generally profusely, mainly on moist sandstone cliffs in full shade. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.

Adiantum aethiopicum, commonly known as the common maidenhair fern or bush maidenhair fern, is part of the Pteridaceae family. This fern is distinguished by its shiny black stems and finely divided fronds that often exhibit rounded or fan-shaped segments, with spores developing beneath their reflexed edges.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adiantum_aethiopicum

Adiantum aethiopicum

Common maidenhair fern | Adiantum aethiopicum

Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum' (Aleutian maidenhair 'Imbricatum') is a clump-forming fern in the Pteridaceae family. It is a deciduous plant that typically grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full or partial shade, favouring north, west, or east-facing aspects in sheltered locations. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and can tolerate acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. It is of interest mainly in spring and winter.

Aleutian maidenhair 'Imbricatum' is a clump-forming deciduous fern ideal for full or partial shade, adding interest in spring and winter.

Adiantum, the maidenhair fern, is a genus of about 250 species of ferns in the subfamily Vittarioideae of the family Pteridaceae, though some researchers place it in its own family, Adiantaceae. The genus name comes from Greek, meaning "unwetted", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet.

Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum'

Aleutian maidenhair 'Imbricatum' | Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum'

Adiantum bellum is a clump-forming fern in the Pteridaceae that retains foliage as deciduous to semi-evergreen. It prefers full to partial shade and needs a moist but well-drained soil, tolerating chalk, clay, loam or sand and a range of pH. Plant on a sheltered south-, east- or west-facing aspect; it carries an H6 rating (very hardy) for UK conditions. Its growth is most apparent through spring and summer.

Bermuda Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum bellum) prefers full to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil and suits sheltered south-, east- or west-facing.

Adiantum bellum

Bermuda Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum bellum) | Shade Fern

Adiantum capillus-veneris var. fissum is a cultivar of the Adiantum genus, which comprises deciduous or semi-evergreen ferns known for their lustrous black stems and pinnately divided fronds. This clump-forming fern thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils under full or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for a variety of garden settings including city courtyards, cottage gardens, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, it offers seasonal interest in spring and summer. Propagation is achieved through spores or division, making it a versatile choice for low-maintenance planting.

Adiantum capillus-veneris var. fissum is a hardy, clump-forming fern with lustrous black stems, ideal for shaded city gardens and underplanting roses.

Adiantum capillus-veneris var. fissum

Adiantum diaphanum, the filmy maidenhair fern, is a species of fern in the genus Adiantum, native to East Asia and Australasia, from southern Japan south to New Zealand. It grows to 20 cm long at the most, with very dark green fronds covered with bristles. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.

Filmy maidenhair (Adiantum diaphanum) is a member of the Pteridaceae family, known for its lustrous black stems and delicate fronds that are often pinnately divided. This fern exhibits fan-shaped segments and produces spores tucked away beneath its reflexed margins.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adiantum_diaphanum

Adiantum diaphanum

Filmy maidenhair | Adiantum diaphanum

Adiantum formosum, known as the giant maidenhair or black stem maidenhair is a fern found in Australia and New Zealand. It was one of the many species authored by Scottish botanist Robert Brown, appearing in his 1810 work Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen. Its species name is the Latin adjective formosus "handsome" or "beautiful". Adiantum formosum is an attractive plant, with fronds up to 120 cm (48 in) high. In the wild it grows across New South Wales, New Zealand North, Queensland and Victoria. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.

Adiantum formosum, known as the giant maidenhair fern, is part of the Pteridaceae family and showcases the unique characteristics of the Adiantum genus. This fern features glossy black stems and typically divided pinnate fronds with fan-shaped or rounded segments, which release spores tucked beneath their reflexed edges. Commonly referred to as the Australian maidenhair fern or branching maidenhair fern, it offers a striking silhouette in any setting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adiantum_formosum

Adiantum formosum

Giant maidenhair fern | Adiantum formosum

Adiantum hispidulum

Rough maidenhair fern | Adiantum hispidulum

Adiantum pedatum, the northern maidenhair fern, is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae, native to moist forests in eastern North America. Like other ferns in the genus, the name maidenhair refers to the slender, shining black stipes.

Adiantum pedatum, the northern maidenhair fern, features slender black stipes and thrives in moist, shaded forest environments.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adiantum_pedatum

Adiantum pedatum

Adiantum pedatum from Japan is a clump-forming fern belonging to the genus Adiantum in the family Pteridaceae. It features deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage and thrives in full to partial shade, preferring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. This fern grows well in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with moist but well-drained conditions and a pH range from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, patios, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, with interest in spring and summer.

Adiantum pedatum is a clump-forming fern with deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage, thriving in shaded UK gardens and perfect for low-maintenance borders.

Adiantum pedatum from Japan

Adiantum pedatum imbricatum is a clump-forming cultivar of the Adiantum genus, known for its deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage. This fern thrives in full to partial shade and is suitable for south, east, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is well suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as ground cover. Propagation is achieved through spores or division of rhizomes.

Adiantum pedatum imbricatum is a shade-loving fern with delicate, fan-shaped fronds, ideal for adding texture to woodland gardens.

Adiantum pedatum imbricatum

Adiantum pedatum japonicum of gardens is a bushy, clump-forming cultivar of the genus Adiantum, which belongs to the Pteridaceae family. This deciduous fern thrives in full or partial shade and is adaptable to all garden aspects, including south, north, west, and east-facing positions. It grows well in a variety of soil types such as chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained, and it tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, and rock gardens, and can be propagated by spores or division of rhizomes.

Adiantum pedatum japonicum is a delicate fern ideal for shaded gardens, adding graceful texture and year-round greenery.

Adiantum pedatum japonicum of gardens

Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum is a bushy, clump-forming cultivar of the Adiantum genus, known for its deciduous foliage. It thrives in full or partial shade and is adaptable to various garden aspects, including south, north, west, and east-facing locations. This fern tolerates a range of soil types such as chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, and rock gardens, and can be propagated by spores or division of rhizomes.

Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum is a delicate fern valued for its graceful, fan-shaped fronds, ideal for shady UK gardens.

Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum

Adiantum platyphyllum is a clump-forming fern cultivar within the Adiantum genus, known for its deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage and lustrous black stems. It thrives in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil under full or partial shade, ideally in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for a variety of garden settings including city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers, this fern is hardy to UK zone H6. It is best propagated by spores or division and offers seasonal interest throughout spring and summer.

Adiantum platyphyllum is a clump-forming fern with lustrous black stems, ideal for shaded, moist gardens and low-maintenance borders in spring and summer.

Adiantum platyphyllum

Adiantum reniforme is a clump-forming fern cultivar within the Adiantum genus, known for its deciduous to semi-evergreen foliage and lustrous black stems. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil under full or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with south, east, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and well-suited to a variety of soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. Its winter interest and adaptability make it ideal for city gardens, patios, and as underplanting in informal or cottage-style borders.

Adiantum reniforme is a hardy fern (H6) ideal for shaded city gardens, patios, and underplanting, providing winter interest with low maintenance.

Adiantum reniforme

Adiantum tenerum 'Farleyense' is a cultivar of the Adiantum genus, which comprises deciduous or evergreen ferns with lustrous black stems and pinnately divided fronds. This brittle maidenhair fern forms clumps and has semi-evergreen foliage. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil under full or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with a south, east, or west aspect. Suitable for a variety of garden settings including city gardens, patios, and underplanting, it is hardy in the UK (H6) and offers seasonal interest in spring and summer.

Brittle maidenhair fern 'Farleyense' is a semi-evergreen fern with lustrous black stems, ideal for shaded city gardens and underplanting roses, hardy to H6.

Adiantum tenerum 'Farleyense'

Brittle maidenhair fern 'Farleyense' | Adiantum tenerum 'Farleyense'

Adiantum tenerum 'Green Glory' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Adiantum genus, which comprises deciduous or evergreen ferns with lustrous black stems and pinnately divided fronds. This cultivar features semi-evergreen foliage and thrives in moist, humus-rich soil under full or partial shade, ideally in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for a variety of garden settings including city courtyards, cottage gardens, and patios, it is hardy to UK zone H6 and offers seasonal interest in spring and summer.

Adiantum tenerum 'Green Glory' is a semi-evergreen fern with lustrous black stems, ideal for shaded city gardens and low-maintenance borders in spring and

Adiantum tenerum 'Green Glory'

Adiantum venustrum is a species of maidenhair fern in the family Pteridaceae, recognised by the genus’s finely divided fronds set off by darker stipes. The fronds are bright green and the spore-bearing sori are borne close to the margins and are covered by reflexed flaps of leaf tissue. Plants in this group are associated with humus-rich, moist, well-drained sites and often occur on damp rock faces and around water seepage.

Adiantum venustrum (Maidenhair Fern) favours humid, humus-rich, well-drained sites and suits shaded, damp corners or damp rock faces in the garden.

Adiantum venustrum

Maidenhair Fern | Adiantum venustrum

Adiantum venustum, the evergreen maidenhair or Himalayan maidenhair, is a species of fern in the genus Adiantum of the family Pteridaceae, native to China and the Himalayas. It is a slow to establish plant that usually grows on moist rocks and soil with a good amount of humus and dead leaves.

Adiantum venustum, the evergreen Himalayan maidenhair fern, thrives on moist rocks and adds delicate greenery to shaded gardens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adiantum_venustum

Adiantum venustum

Cryptogramma crispa, the parsley fern, is an Arctic–alpine species of fern native to Europe and parts of Asia. It produces separate sterile and fertile fronds, up to 30 cm (12 in) tall, and is a pioneer species on acidic screes.

Allosorus crispus, the parsley fern, is a hardy H3 Arctic-alpine fern ideal for rock, woodland, and native gardens in full sun or partial shade.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptogramma_crispa

Allosorus crispus

One of the cheilanthoid lip ferns, it was usually classified in the genus Cheilanthes as Cheilanthes lanosa until 2013, when the genus Myriopteris was again recognized as separate from Cheilanthes. Myriopteris lanosa, the hairy lip fern, is a medium-sized fern of the eastern United States. The leaves are twice-divided into lanceolate or oblong segments, and are sparsely covered in hairs, but lack scales, hence its common name. It typically grows in shallow, dry, soil, often in rocky habitats. It is native to Mazapil, Ejido Cuitláhuac. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and west-facing and south-facing aspects.

Hairy lip fern (Cheilanthes lanosa) thrives in full sun, hardy to RHS H4, ideal for rock gardens and winter interest in UK gardens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriopteris_lanosa

Cheilanthes lanosa

Hairy lip fern | Cheilanthes lanosa

Cheilanthes maderensis, known as the hay-scented lip fern, is an evergreen clump-forming fern in the Pteridaceae family. Like others in the Cheilanthes genus, it forms tight clusters of small fronds on glossy, often dark stalks. This fern thrives in well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH, preferring sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for rock gardens, gravel gardens, patios, and banks, and is best planted in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.

Hay-scented lip fern (Cheilanthes maderensis) is an evergreen, hardy H4 fern ideal for rock gardens and patios, offering winter interest with glossy fronds.

Cheilanthes maderensis

Hay-scented lip fern | Cheilanthes maderensis

Cryptogramma crispa is a small alpine fern reaching about 0.3 metres, notable for thriving on acidic, sandy or rocky, well-drained soils. It tolerates exposed, alpine conditions and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Fronds are present through spring and summer. Plant where drainage is secure and periods of dryness alternate with moist conditions.

Parsley fern Cryptogramma crispa suits acidic, sandy or rocky, well-drained spots in full sun or partial shade and is ideal for rock and alpine gardens.

Cryptogramma is a genus of ferns known commonly as parsley ferns or rockbrakes. They are one of the three genera in the subfamily Cryptogrammoideae of the family Pteridaceae.

Cryptogramma crispa

Parsley fern | Cryptogramma crispa

Gymnopteris, commonly known as rue-leaved fern, is a bushy evergreen fern belonging to the Pteridaceae family. It thrives in partial shade, ideally in a north-facing, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained loam soil that is moist but well-drained and neutral in pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, this fern is suitable for underplanting roses and shrubs. It is best propagated by division of rhizomes in spring and is particularly attractive during the spring and summer seasons.

Rue-leaved fern (Gymnopteris) thrives in partial shade, is hardy (RHS H3), and ideal for underplanting roses and shrubs in spring and summer.

Gymnopteris

Rue-leaved fern | Gymnopteris

Gymnopteris vestita is a bushy evergreen fern cultivar belonging to the genus Gymnopteris in the Pteridaceae family. It thrives best in partial shade, ideally on a north-facing aspect with sheltered exposure. This cultivar prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for underplanting roses and shrubs. Interest in this plant is primarily during spring and summer. Propagation is achieved by division of rhizomes in spring.

Gymnopteris vestita thrives in partial shade, is hardy (RHS H3), and perfect for underplanting roses and shrubs with spring to summer interest.

Gymnopteris vestita

Onychium japonicum 'Dali' is a clump-forming deciduous fern belonging to the genus Onychium in the Pteridaceae family. It thrives in partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with moist but well-drained loam or sandy soil, tolerant of a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H3, this cultivar is suitable for various garden settings including cottage, informal, city, courtyard, patio, and container planting, as well as flower borders and beds. It is best appreciated during spring and summer and can be propagated by division or spores.

Onychium japonicum 'Dali' is a deciduous fern ideal for partial shade, thriving in moist soil and perfect for patios, borders, and informal gardens in spring

Onychium japonicum 'Dali'

Pellaea atropurpurea is a fern adapted to rocky, well-drained crevices and sheltered shady sites. It produces its fronds through spring and summer and prefers partial shade to full shade. Plant in dry to medium, free-draining soils and give a sheltered aspect to protect the fronds. Suited to rock gardens, crevices and shade borders where drainage is good.

Purple rock brake (Pellaea atropurpurea) is a fern for shaded, well-drained rock gardens and crevices.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pellaea_atropurpurea

Pellaea atropurpurea

Purple rock brake | Pellaea atropurpurea

Pityrogramma sulphurea, known as Jamaica gold fern, is a clump-forming deciduous fern belonging to the genus Pityrogramma in the family Pteridaceae. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, this ornamental fern is best grown in conditions that support its growth through spring and summer. Propagation is achieved via spores, making it a distinctive addition to gardens suited to its cultivation requirements.

Jamaica gold fern (Pityrogramma sulphurea) is an ornamental, hardy H4 plant thriving in full sun with spring and summer interest.

Pityrogramma sulphurea

Jamaica gold fern | Pityrogramma sulphurea

Pityrogramma triangularis, known as the Californian gold fern, is a clump-forming deciduous fern from the Pteridaceae family. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is best planted in well-drained soil with watering during establishment. This ornamental fern is notable in spring and summer and is propagated by spores.

Californian gold fern (Pityrogramma triangularis) is an ornamental, hardy H4 fern thriving in full sun with spring and summer interest.

Pityrogramma triangularis

Californian gold fern | Pityrogramma triangularis

Pteris (brake) is a genus of about 300 species of ferns in the subfamily Pteridoideae of the family Pteridaceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions, southward to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, north to Japan and North America.

Pteris (brake) ferns thrive in shade, perfect for subtropical patios, houseplants, and underplanting in spring and summer gardens.

Pteris

Brake | Pteris

Pteris multifida, the spider brake, is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae. It is native to central and southern China, Korea, Japan, the Ryukyus, Taiwan, and Vietnam. A shade-loving lithophyte with fronds reaching at most 60 cm (24 in), it is typically found growing on old walls, and is a rare example of a fern synanthrope. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). Suggested uses include sub-tropical, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, houseplants, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Pteris multifida, spider brake fern, thrives in shade with fronds up to 60cm, ideal for patios, containers, and underplanting in spring and summer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pteris_multifida

Pteris multifida

Spider brake | Pteris multifida

Pteris vittata, the Chinese brake, Chinese ladder brake, or simply ladder brake, is a fern species in the Pteridoideae subfamily of the Pteridaceae. In the Ghanaian Akan dialect, it is called "Ayan". It is indigenous to Asia, southern Europe, tropical Africa (West and South Africa), and Australia. The type specimen was collected in China by Pehr Osbeck. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). Suggested uses include sub-tropical, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, houseplants, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.

Pteris vittata is a fern belonging to the Pteridaceae family, characterized by its diverse growth habits, which can include evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous forms. This species features a rhizome that allows for varied frond structures, ranging from pinnate to 4-pinnate, making it a unique specimen in any collection.