🀝 7 Perfect Plant Partners for Sword Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

By Kiersten Rankel

Nov 26, 20243 min read

  1. 🌿 Hostas and Astilbe thrive in shade, making them perfect partners for Sword Ferns.
  2. πŸ’– Bleeding Heart and Lungwort enhance beauty while sharing moisture needs with Sword Ferns.
  3. 🌼 Avoid sun-loving plants; they compete for light and hinder Sword Fern growth.

Best Companion Plants

Plant 1: Hostas 🌿

Hostas are a fantastic choice for companion plants alongside Sword Ferns. They thrive in shaded areas with consistent moisture, making them easy to care for.

Their varied leaf shapes and colors create a stunning visual contrast, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your fern garden.

Plant 2: Astilbe 🌸

Astilbe also flourishes in similar conditions as Sword Ferns. Preferring moist, shaded environments, they are perfectly compatible.

Additionally, their beautiful flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in your garden.

Plant 3: Bleeding Heart πŸ’–

Bleeding Heart plants add unique blooms and texture to your garden. Their distinctive heart-shaped flowers provide eye-catching visual interest.

They share similar soil and moisture needs with Sword Ferns, thriving in rich, well-draining soil that remains consistently moist.

Plant 4: Japanese Forest Grass πŸƒ

Japanese Forest Grass complements the texture of Sword Ferns beautifully. Its graceful, arching foliage pairs well with the feathery fronds of the fern.

This grass also prefers similar shade and moisture levels, enhancing the harmony of your garden.

Plant 5: Coral Bells πŸ””

Coral Bells offer vibrant foliage colors that can brighten up any garden. Their diverse color palette adds significant visual appeal alongside Sword Ferns.

These plants thrive in partial shade, aligning perfectly with the light requirements of Sword Ferns.

Plant 6: Lungwort 🌼

Lungwort provides early spring blooms that add seasonal interest before the Sword Fern fully unfurls. Its early flowers can be a delightful surprise in your garden.

Like the Sword Fern, Lungwort prefers moist, shaded environments, making them a compatible choice.

Plant 7: Tiarella 🌱

Tiarella serves as an excellent ground cover that thrives in shade. It spreads well, creating a lush carpet beneath the Sword Fern.

This plant enhances biodiversity and soil health, contributing to a healthier ecosystem through its root structure.

These companion plants not only thrive alongside Sword Ferns but also elevate the beauty and health of your garden. Next, let’s explore which plants to avoid to ensure your fern garden remains vibrant and thriving.

Plants to Avoid

🌞 Sun-loving Annuals

Sun-loving annuals can be a tempting choice for your garden, but they often compete fiercely for light. These plants thrive in full sun, overshadowing the Sword Fern and potentially stunting its growth.

🚫 Invasive Species

Invasive species pose a significant threat to the delicate balance of your garden ecosystem. They can easily overtake native plants, including the Sword Fern, leading to a decline in biodiversity and disrupting the natural habitat.

🍽️ Heavy Feeders

Heavy feeders are another group to steer clear of when planting alongside Sword Fern. These plants demand high nutrient levels, which can deplete the soil and negatively impact the growth of your fern, leaving it struggling to thrive.

By avoiding these plants, you can create a harmonious environment that allows your Sword Fern and its companions to flourish. Next, let’s explore the best companion plants that will enhance your fern garden.

Create a thriving fern garden 🌿 by pairing Sword Ferns with perfect companions like Hostas, and let Greg guide you with tailored care tips to keep them flourishing together!