Do ferns take well to half and half sunlight during the day?

Ferns are much more popular than they used to be for garden planting, and their fronds (leaves) vary in shape and colour quite considerably. They are ideal for a shady part of the garden and will even grow in full shade.

Species of interest:

The hardy maidenhead fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Hat's tongue ferns, especially the unusual Asplenium scolopendrium.

Several species of our native Lady fern ( Athyrium felixfemina)

Common polypody (polypodium vulgare) 'pulcherrimum'

varieties.

The Ostrich Feather fern, (Matteucc struthiopteris, and;

the male fern (Dryopterist felix-mas)

There are of course many more, but these may give you some idea when visiting nurseries.

I have a common polypody growing in total shade for 10 yrs now

Do ferns take well to half and half sunlight during the day?
They should be fine,

Once again ANGEL what a great answer. (Too bad I only have one thumb!)

there are many types of ferns and, some of the ferns in my area grow in almost grow in total shade, along with half day sun.



unit
Reply:yes they should be ok,they do not like full sun.if you want to create a bit more shade plant some dwarf conifer the `blue` ones contrast very well with the ferns.
Reply:There are ferns for all types of conditions, but most do NOT like intense afternoon sun %26amp; most need to be mulched %26amp; watered often so that they don't dry out. However, some Ferns called both "Cloak Ferns" and "Sun Ferns" -- unlike most (shade-requiring) ferns, will grow in the open in full sunlight, because they have adaptively thickened cuticle tissues for protection:

http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/i_and_i/f...



But that is the exception... only a few fern types are able to contend with direct sunlight and low humidity. Most species need moist soil, high humidity and enough shade to maintain these conditions.



Most ferns do best in afternoon shade. You can plant ferns so that they receive some shade from a building or tree or even a taller plant planted close by. You can also place a large stone, rock or statue near it to shade it from the intense afternoon sun.



"Almost all appreciate the protection of rocks, which help the soil retain moisture and establish a microclimate that is warmer in winter and cooler in summer than the surrounding environment. It's important to know which ferns must have limestone and which require acid conditions. Sandstone and granite rocks are generally the foundation for those needing acid, while limestone or even cement rubble will provide alkalinity. Ferns among rocks should be planted in a well drained but moisture-retentive soil."

http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/plants/ha...



You are in luck because there ARE some that will grow in part sun %26amp; in part shade.

Here's a list from Clemson Extension of some hardy %26amp; 'Heat Tolerent' ferns (%26amp; their requirements):

Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) Unlike other ferns, it doesn't like it too wet.

http://www.easternplant.com/epsdetail.as...

http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/fern...

http://www.sky-bolt.com/Spleenworts.htm

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Needs constant moisture in sun, can stand some drought in shade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_fe...

Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) Needs constant moisture. http://www.floridata.com/ref/O/osmu_reg....

Southern Shield Fern (Thelypteris kunthii) needs constant moisture in sun, can stand some drought in shade. "tolerates a bit more sun than most ferns."

http://www.nichegardens.com/catalog/item...

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1...



P.S. Thanks for the thumbs up %26amp; the encouraging words :)



Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.
Reply:ferns are a cool weather/shade tolerant plant. Half and half sound like it would work. I am not to sure how long they will last though(since ferns did not bloom, I could not say "bloom" right). if I were you I would give them a shot and see how they do. I would plant some in different areas and keep an eye on them. good luck to you.