Ferns and Grasses

Why should you choose ferns and grasses?

Ferns and grasses are a perfect choice for adding texture, structure, and year-round interest to your garden. Their versatility makes them a great companion to flowering perennials, adding layers of visual appeal and enhancing the overall design of your garden. With their graceful movement and soft textures, grasses bring a dynamic quality to your space, particularly in the autumn when their foliage takes on rich colours. They add a natural, flowing element that complements bolder, more structured plants.

Evergreen ferns are equally impressive, providing beautiful, lush greenery even during the colder months. Their delicate fronds bring an ethereal, almost magical feel to the garden, especially when dusted with frost in the winter. These plants are ideal for creating a sense of calm and serenity in shaded areas and can serve as a perfect backdrop for other plants, allowing flowers to shine while still maintaining interest when blooms fade.

Choosing ferns and grasses means investing in plants that are low-maintenance, hardy, and suitable for a wide range of conditions. Whether you're looking for year-round interest, autumn colour, or adding texture to your garden's layout, ferns and grasses deliver timeless beauty.

How to plant ferns and grasses

Planting ferns and grasses is a simple process that will add texture and movement to your garden all year round. Follow these steps to ensure your plants establish well and thrive:

Choose the right location: Ferns typically prefer shady, sheltered areas of the garden with dappled light or full shade. In contrast, most ornamental grasses thrive in full sun, though some varieties can tolerate partial shade. Consider the specific needs of each plant when selecting a spot to plant them.

Prepare the soil: Ferns do best in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Amend your soil with compost or leaf mould to improve fertility and texture. Grasses, on the other hand, prefer well-drained soil and can often tolerate poorer conditions, making them versatile for various garden settings.

Planting depth and spacing: For ferns, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and plant at the same depth as they were in the pot, ensuring the crown is just level with the soil. Water thoroughly after planting. Grasses should be planted at a depth that matches the original container, with enough space between plants to allow them to spread—usually around 30-60 cm apart, depending on the variety.

Watering and aftercare: Water ferns regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. For grasses, water them well after planting, but once established, they are generally drought-tolerant. Mulching around ferns can help retain moisture, while grasses typically require less aftercare once settled.

Mulch and feed: Ferns benefit from an annual mulch of organic matter, which helps keep the soil rich and moist. Grasses, particularly ornamental types, don’t usually need feeding but can benefit from a light layer of compost or a slow-release fertiliser in the spring to encourage new growth.

By planting ferns and grasses, you'll create a garden filled with texture, movement, and interest that lasts through the seasons, adding structure and colour to your space.

Why choose Peter Nyssen bulbs?

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience

• Our bulbs are packaged in compostable, starch-based bags where possible

• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50

• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper 

• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

FAQs 

When is the best time to plant ferns and grasses?

The best time to plant ferns and grasses is in spring or autumn when the weather is cooler and the plants have time to establish before facing extreme heat or frost. These seasons offer the ideal balance of moisture and mild temperatures to promote healthy root growth.

Can ferns and grasses grow in containers?

Yes, both ferns and grasses can be grown in containers. Ferns thrive in shady spots, making them perfect for shaded patios or balcony containers. Grasses prefer sunny locations, so they’re great for adding height and movement to sun-filled container displays. Just ensure that the containers have good drainage and are large enough for root growth.

How often should I water ferns and grasses?

Ferns require consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells, so water them regularly, ensuring the soil never dries out completely. Grasses, on the other hand, are generally more drought-tolerant once established, though they should be watered regularly during their first growing season to help them settle in.

Do ferns and grasses need feeding?

Ferns benefit from annual feeding with a rich organic mulch or compost in the spring, helping to maintain their lush foliage. Ornamental grasses are generally low-maintenance and don’t require much feeding, though a light application of slow-release fertiliser in the spring can encourage new growth.

Can ferns and grasses tolerate frost?

Evergreen ferns can tolerate light frosts, and their fronds can look magical when dusted with frost. However, some ferns may need protection in severe cold. Many ornamental grasses are hardy and can tolerate frosty conditions, but deciduous varieties may die back in winter and regrow in spring. For both, mulching in late autumn can help protect their roots during colder months.

Need more help?

Enhance your garden with the graceful movement and year-round beauty of ferns and grasses. Perfect for adding texture, structure, and interest to any space, these plants thrive in a variety of conditions and offer stunning visual appeal throughout every season. Need advice? Our ferns planting guide is full of expert tips. And our grasses planting guide will show you how to best plant them. 

Whether you're looking to complement flowering perennials or create a serene, natural atmosphere, our selection of top-quality ferns and grasses will help you achieve a garden full of depth and character. Explore our range of ferns and grasses today and bring lasting texture and beauty to your garden. We're always here to help with any questions!