1 0

    American Royal Fern (#1)

    American Royal Fern (#1)

    $11.25
    Shipping calculated at checkout.
    Size
    Quantity

    30 in stock

    Choose American Royal Fern for a damp, shaded planting where you want a larger native fern with an upright, open look. The tradeoff: it is not a good pick for dry shade or tight foundation beds.

    Buy This If

    • Your soil stays damp.
    • You want a native fern.
    • You have room for a larger clump.

    Skip This If

    • The area dries out often.
    • You need a small edging fern.
    • You want evergreen winter cover.

    PGNE Report Card

    Category Grade Why
    Landscape Impact B+ It gives wet shade plantings a strong native fern presence without looking heavy.
    Growth Rate B It fills in at a steady pace when moisture is reliable, but it is not an instant carpet.
    Maintenance A- Once placed in damp soil, care is mostly cutting back old fronds after they decline.
    Deer Resistance B Deer usually favor other plants first, though browsing can still happen under pressure.
    Small Space Fit C Its larger clump and upright habit need more breathing room than compact ferns.
    Screening Value D It adds seasonal texture but should not be used as a privacy or screening plant.

    Compare It To

    Cinnamon Fern (#1)

    Choose American Royal Fern for an airier, more upright wet-site fern; choose Cinnamon Fern (#1) for a more classic native fern look with stronger woodland texture.

    Sensitive Fern (#1)

    Choose American Royal Fern when you want a larger clump; choose Sensitive Fern (#1) for quicker coverage in damp, naturalized areas.

    Japanese Painted Fern (#1)

    Choose American Royal Fern for native wet plantings; choose Japanese Painted Fern (#1) for smaller shade beds where foliage color matters more than wet-soil tolerance.

    Our Experience

    At PGNE, we'd typically recommend American Royal Fern for rain gardens, pond edges, and low woodland areas, not for dry shade under maples unless irrigation is part of the plan.

    Plant Facts

    Mature Height 2-5 ft
    Mature Width 2-3 ft
    Hardiness Zones USDA zones 3-10
    Spacing up to 3 ft
    Sun Part sun/shade to full shade
    Moisture Moist; plant in soil that stays consistently moist
    Growth Habit Clump-forming deciduous perennial fern

    Customers Usually Ask

    Is American Royal Fern native?

    Yes, it is a native fern suited to damp natural-style plantings.

    Will it spread aggressively?

    No, it forms clumps rather than running heavily through the bed.

    Does it need wet soil?

    It performs best where the soil stays consistently moist.

    Why Add Ferns to Your Landscape?

    • Perfect for Shade Gardens: Ferns thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for woodland and foundation plantings.
    • Soft Texture & Movement: Feathery fronds add contrast and visual interest alongside broader-leafed plants.
    • Low-Maintenance & Hardy: Many varieties return year after year with minimal care and strong cold tolerance.

    Pro Growers of New England, Inc

    PGNE-43011

    View full details