Transforming shady garden spaces into thriving landscapes is all about choosing the right plant pairings. Hardy ferns set the stage with their rich greenery, but the right companions add texture, contrast, and seasonal interest.
In this guide, you’ll find 25 of the best plants to grow alongside ferns—plus some easy-care picks for a stunning, low-maintenance garden.
1. Hostas
Looking to fill a shady spot with easy greenery? Broad, leafy hostas are a perfect choice, adding bold contrast next to delicate ferns. They come in deep greens, cool blues, and even variegated patterns, making them easy to mix and match.
Best of all, they’re low-maintenance—once planted, they thrive with little effort, making them a favorite for fuss-free gardening.
2. Astilbes
Transforming shade with their feathery plumes, these perennials are unmatched. Astilbes add a splash of color with their pink, white, or red flowers. Perfect partners for ferns, they thrive in similar conditions.
With moisture-loving traits, they complement the water needs of ferns. Their blooming period extends through the summer, offering continuous beauty.
3. Heucheras
In the tapestry of shade gardens, foliage often takes the spotlight. Heucheras, or coral bells, boast colorful leaf colors ranging from purple to red. They create a stunning visual contrast against the green backdrop provided by ferns.
These perennials are not only admired for their foliage but also for their delicate flower spikes. Requiring similar care, they are ideal companions, enhancing the texture and color palette of shady garden spots.
4. Japanese Forest Grass
Elegance personified in grassy form. Japanese Forest Grass sways gently in the breeze, adding movement to the static appearance of ferns. Its bright green, arching leaves offer a graceful contrast.
This grass is perfect for creating layers in shade gardens, thriving in the same damp conditions as ferns. Known for its slow growth, it requires little maintenance.
5. Bleeding Hearts
Whimsy and charm hang from arching stems in shaded nooks. Bleeding Hearts, with their signature heart-shaped flowers, provide a romantic touch to fern-filled areas.
Their blooms appear in spring, offering early interest before many other companions come to life. These perennials thrive in similar moist, shaded conditions, making them perfect partners for ferns.
6. Solomon’s Seal
Graceful arches find their place among ferns. Solomon’s Seal offers a unique structure with its arching stems and tiny white, bell-shaped flowers.
These plants thrive in shady, moist conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types. Their upright growth pattern adds height and structure, complementing the low growth of many ferns.
7. Lungwort
Spotted leaves and colorful blooms create a visual feast in shaded beds. Lungwort, known for its speckled foliage, adds texture and interest.
Its early spring flowers range from blue to pink, offering a splash of color. Like ferns, Lungwort prefers moist, shaded conditions. This makes it an ideal companion, thriving alongside without competing for resources.
8. Brunnera
Heart-shaped leaves and delicate blooms create an enchanting scene. Brunnera, often called false forget-me-not, is prized for its lovely blue flowers.
These plants thrive in shade, making them perfect partners for ferns. Their foliage is often variegated, adding an extra layer of interest. Brunnera requires moist, well-drained soil, similar to the needs of hardy ferns, ensuring they coexist harmoniously.
9. Toad Lilies
Intricate blooms surprise with their beauty in hidden corners. Toad Lilies, known for their orchid-like flowers, add an exotic touch to shaded areas.
These perennials bloom in late summer to fall, extending the season of interest in your garden. Their spotted flowers are a unique addition, complementing the delicate fronds of ferns.
10. Virginia Bluebells
A carpet of blue unfolds in the springtime shade. Virginia Bluebells bring a sea of color with their bell-shaped flowers.
These natives to North America thrive in woodland settings, preferring the same moist, shaded conditions as ferns. Their early blooming period provides interest before many other plants awaken, creating a seamless transition in the garden.
11. Creeping Jenny
Golden hues spread along the ground, catching the eye. Creeping Jenny, also known as Lysimachia, offers bright yellow-green foliage.
Its trailing habit makes it perfect for covering ground and filling spaces between ferns. This perennial thrives in moist, shady conditions, making it a natural fit. Its vibrant leaves provide a striking contrast, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the garden.
12. Foamflower
Delicate blooms froth above foliage, adding a lightness to the shade. Foamflower, or Tiarella, offers fluffy white blooms that resemble foam.
Their flowers rise above heart-shaped leaves, creating a layered look that complements ferns perfectly. These perennials thrive in similar conditions, favoring moist, well-drained soil.
13. Japanese Anemones
Late-season elegance blooms with subtle grace. Japanese Anemones bring a touch of sophistication with their pink and white flowers.
These perennials bloom in late summer to fall, extending the blooming season in shaded areas. Known for their resilience, they thrive in the same conditions as ferns, requiring minimal care once established.
14. Epimedium
Tiny flowers and unique foliage create interest under the canopy. Epimedium, or barrenwort, is known for its heart-shaped leaves and starry blooms.
These perennials thrive in dry shade, making them suitable companions for ferns in less moist conditions. Their evergreen foliage adds interest year-round, while their flowers provide seasonal charm.
15. Barrenwort
Subtle charm graces shaded nooks with elegance. Barrenwort, also known as Epimedium, features delicate flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
It thrives in dry, shady areas, where many other plants struggle. This makes it an invaluable companion for ferns in less than ideal moisture conditions. Barrenwort’s evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and its slow-spreading habit ensures it won’t outcompete its companions.
16. Goat’s Beard
Majestic plumes rise above the foliage, creating an airy presence. Goat’s Beard, similar in appearance to Astilbe, offers large, fluffy white blooms.
These perennials are perfect for adding height and structure to shaded landscapes. Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, they align well with the needs of ferns. Their blooms provide a focal point, attracting pollinators and adding a sense of grandeur to the garden.
17. Lady’s Mantle
Soft leaves catch dewdrops, adding magic to the morning garden. Lady’s Mantle, known for its velvety foliage, offers a unique texture.
This perennial thrives in moist, shaded areas, making it a perfect companion for ferns. Its tiny yellow flowers appear in late spring, adding a pop of color. Lady’s Mantle is appreciated for its ability to fill spaces, creating a lush, cohesive look.
18. Wild Ginger
Glossy leaves spread a rich carpet underfoot, offering a lush appearance. Wild Ginger, with its heart-shaped foliage, is a ground cover delight.
This native plant thrives in shady, woodland conditions, similar to ferns. Its low-growing habit and dense leaves make it effective at suppressing weeds and retaining moisture.
19. Hellebores
Winter blooms nod gracefully in the cold, offering unexpected beauty. Hellebores, or Lenten Roses, are renowned for their early flowering.
Their flowers appear in shades of pink, white, and even yellow, brightening the dull winter landscape. These perennials thrive in similar conditions to ferns, making them ideal companions. Their evergreen foliage adds year-round interest, while their blooms provide seasonal charm.
20. Lily of the Valley
Fragrant bells hang delicately from arching stems, a classic choice for shade. Lily of the Valley, known for its sweet scent, is a beloved perennial.
These plants thrive in moist, shaded areas, making them perfect partners for ferns. Their early spring blooms provide interest before many other plants awaken. Lily of the Valley spreads slowly, creating a dense ground cover that suppresses weeds.
21. Hardy Geraniums
Bright blooms vivify the shade, offering continuous interest. Hardy Geraniums, not to be confused with annual geraniums, thrive in partial shade.
Their flowers, ranging from purple to pink, attract pollinators and add color to the garden. These perennials are low maintenance, making them ideal companions for ferns. Their sprawling habit helps cover ground, suppressing weeds and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
22. Primroses
Cheerful clusters burst into bloom, heralding the arrival of spring. Primroses, with their colors, bring life to shady spots.
They thrive in similar conditions to ferns, preferring moist, well-drained soils. Their early blooming period provides interest before many other plants awaken, ensuring a continuous display of color. Primroses are also known for attracting pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
23. Sweet Woodruff
A carpet of green and white creates a serene scene in shaded retreats. Sweet Woodruff offers tiny white blooms above whorled leaves.
This perennial thrives in the same conditions as ferns, favoring moist, well-drained soil. Its sprawling habit makes it perfect for covering ground and filling spaces. Sweet Woodruff is also known for its sweet fragrance, especially when dried, adding another layer of appeal.
24. Ferns
Ferns themselves provide a foundational element in shade gardens. With their delicate fronds, they create a lush backdrop that enhances the beauty of their companions.
Ferns thrive in moist, shaded areas, adapting well to various soil types. Their textured foliage adds depth and interest, making them perfect partners for a variety of plants.
25. Columbines
Intricate blooms dance above foliage, adding an artistic flair to the shade. Columbines, known for their distinctive flowers, are a charming addition.
These perennials thrive in partial shade, offering bright colors and unique flower shapes. They are low maintenance and attract pollinators, making them perfect companions for ferns.
26. Anemone
Delicate petals flutter in the breeze, adding lightness to the garden. Anemones, with their elegant white blooms, bring a touch of grace.
These perennials thrive in moist, shaded areas, making them ideal partners for ferns. Their late summer blooms ensure continuous interest, extending the season of beauty. Anemones are easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
27. Cardinal Flower
Striking red spikes catch the eye, even in deep shade. The Cardinal Flower, with its bold color, stands out among companions.
These perennials thrive in moist, shaded conditions, making them perfect partners for ferns. Their flowers attract hummingbirds, adding movement and life to the garden. The Cardinal Flower’s strong vertical presence complements the horizontal spread of ferns, creating a dynamic visual contrast.
28. Bugleweed
Carpets of green and blue weave among the understory. Bugleweed, or Ajuga, offers a unique combination of foliage and flowers.
This groundcover thrives in similar conditions as ferns, favoring moist, well-drained soil. Its purple-blue flower spikes add color, while its glossy leaves provide texture. Bugleweed is known for its ability to spread, making it effective for filling gaps and suppressing weeds.