Ostrich Fern Companion Plants: Best Plants To Pair With This Shadeloving Perennial

Title: Ostrich Fern Companion Plants: Best Plants to Pair with This Shade-Loving Perennial

Introduction:

Ostrich ferns are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. They thrive in shady areas and can add a touch of elegance and drama to any landscape. But ostrich ferns can also be a bit overwhelming on their own. That's why it's important to choose the right companion plants to complement their large size and bold foliage.

In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the best ostrich fern companion plants. We'll also provide some tips on how to choose the right plants for your garden.

Main Content:

Here are some of the best ostrich fern companion plants:

• Hostas: Hostas are a classic choice for shady gardens. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect one to match your ostrich ferns. Hostas also have similar growing requirements to ostrich ferns, so they're a good fit for the same conditions.
• Astilbes: Astilbes are another great choice for shady gardens. They have tall, airy blooms that add a touch of lightness and contrast to the ostrich ferns' large leaves. Astilbes also prefer moist soil, so they're a good fit for the same conditions as ostrich ferns.
• Brunnera: Brunnera is a beautiful blue-flowering plant that is also shade-tolerant. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that make a great contrast to the ostrich ferns' feathery fronds. Brunnera is also relatively low-maintenance, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
• Lungwort: Lungwort is a native wildflower that is known for its beautiful blue, pink, or white flowers. It has delicate foliage that makes a nice contrast to the ostrich ferns' large leaves. Lungwort is also a good choice for pollinator gardens, as it attracts bees and butterflies.
• Woodsorrel: Woodsorrel is a low-growing groundcover that is perfect for filling in the spaces between ostrich ferns. It has delicate leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. Woodsorrel is also a good choice for rock gardens or borders.

In addition to these plants, there are many other great ostrich fern companion plants. Some other options include:

• Maidenhair fern: This delicate fern is a beautiful addition to any shade garden. It has feathery fronds that add a touch of lightness and elegance to the ostrich ferns' more robust foliage.
• Coral bells: These colorful perennials come in a wide variety of colors, so you can find the perfect ones to match your ostrich ferns. Coral bells also have similar growing requirements to ostrich ferns, so they're a good fit for the same conditions.
• Anemones: These delicate wildflowers bloom in the spring and add a touch of color to the garden. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, blue, and purple.
• Trillium: These native wildflowers are a beautiful addition to any shady garden. They have large, showy flowers that bloom in the spring. Trillium are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a good choice for busy gardeners.

Conclusion:

Ostrich ferns are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a stunning and balanced landscape that will thrive in the shade.

Ostrich ferns are a beautiful addition to any shady garden, but they can look even better when planted with companion plants. Some of the best companion plants for ostrich ferns include:

• Astilbe: Astilbes are another shade-loving plant that produces delicate, feathery flowers in the summer. They come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that will complement the foliage of your ostrich ferns.
• Hostas: Hostas are another popular choice for shady gardens. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors, so you can find one that will fit your space and your style.
• Coral bells: Coral bells are a low-growing plant with colorful foliage. They add a splash of color to the shade garden, and they also help to suppress weeds.
• Sweet fern: Sweet fern is a native plant that is tolerant of dry shade. It has feathery foliage that looks similar to ostrich fern, and it also produces small, white flowers in the summer.

For more information about ostrich fern companion plants, visit Home Gardening.

FAQ of ostrich fern companion plants

• What are some good companion plants for ostrich ferns?

Ostrich ferns thrive in shady, moist areas, so they make good companions for other shade-loving plants, such as hostas, astilbes, and ferns. They can also be planted near water, as they appreciate the moisture. Some other good companion plants for ostrich ferns include:

* Astilbe - Astilbes are another type of fern that prefers shade and moisture. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and purple.
* Hosta - Hostas are a popular choice for shade gardens, and they come in a wide range of sizes and colors. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a good choice for busy gardeners.
* Brunnera macrophylla - Also known as Siberian bugloss, Brunnera macrophylla is a hardy perennial that produces blue flowers in spring. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.
* Lamium maculatum - Also known as spotted deadnettle, Lamium maculatum is a low-growing perennial that produces pink, white, or purple flowers in spring. It is tolerant of shade and can be used to fill in the spaces between larger plants.
* Ajuga reptans - Also known as bugleweed, Ajuga reptans is a creeping perennial that produces blue or purple flowers in spring. It is tolerant of shade and can be used to create a groundcover.

• What are some things to avoid when planting ostrich fern companion plants?

When choosing companion plants for ostrich ferns, it is important to avoid plants that prefer full sun or dry soil. Some plants that should be avoided include:

* Daylilies - Daylilies prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
* Roses - Roses also prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
* Hostas - Some varieties of hostas prefer full sun, so it is important to choose a variety that is specifically suited for shade.
* Astilbes - Some varieties of astilbes prefer full sun, so it is important to choose a variety that is specifically suited for shade.

• How far apart should ostrich fern companion plants be planted?

The spacing of ostrich fern companion plants will depend on the size of the plants. Generally speaking, you should space them about 2-3 feet apart. This will give them enough room to grow and spread without crowding each other.

• How do I care for ostrich fern companion plants?

Ostrich fern companion plants are relatively easy to care for. They need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. They also appreciate a layer of mulch around their roots to help retain moisture. In addition, you should fertilize them once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Image of ostrich fern companion plants

• Solomon's seal: This shade-loving perennial has delicate white flowers in spring and summer.
• Hosta: Hostas come in a wide variety of colors and leaf shapes, and they make great companions for ostrich ferns.
• Astilbe: Astilbe is a tall, airy plant with feathery pink or white flowers.
• Brunnera: Brunnera has blue or white flowers in spring, and its leaves are a beautiful blue-green color.
• Coral bells: Coral bells are a low-growing plant with bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white.
• Maidenhair fern: Maidenhair fern is a delicate fern with feathery fronds.
• Japanese painted fern: Japanese painted fern has dark green fronds with white or yellow stripes.
• Woodland phlox: Woodland phlox is a low-growing plant with pink or white flowers in spring.
• Lungwort: Lungwort has blue or purple flowers in spring, and its leaves are a variegated green and white color.