Is There A Fern That Can Stand Intense Heat?
Gwendolyn Asked
Is there a fern that can stand intense heat?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Gwendolyn: There are a lot of ferns native to tropical regions that thrive in our hot summers. I assume this is what you mean by “intense heat.” If you are looking for a shade-loving fern for a container or annual bed, a few choices include Boston, macho, Australian tree, footed, maiden, staghorn, and birdsnest ferns. If you need a sun-loving tropical fern, Kimberly Queen would be a great option. If you are looking for something more permanent, there are a lot of perennial ferns that can handle the heat as well. This list is much longer in comparison to the tropical ferns, but a few suggestions would be Japanese Painted, Christmas, Ghost, Autumn, Cinnamon, Ostrich, and Royal ferns. All of these perennial ferns are shade-lovers. As with any annual or new addition to the perennial garden, consistent moisture levels will be extremely important in the success of your fern. Some require more than others; the Australian tree fern is one that will absolutely require watering on a daily basis. You can always check with the horticulture agent at your County Cooperative Extension Service for a list of perennial ferns in your gardening zone.
