Best ferns for wildlife garden

Justin Doherty2

Hi all, Any suggestions for the best large ferns for a wildlife garden? Thanks for any help, Justin

Mrs G

Royal fern is a big un.

nutcutlet

The male fern, Dryopteris felix-mas is very easy and less fussy about moisture than a lot of them.

Justin Doherty2

Sorry, would prefer evergreen. Large/talk growing. Fairly Shady area.

Justin Doherty2

Tall*

nutcutlet

What's the soil like? 

Justin Doherty2

It's in medium soil next to a log pile and another one I hope to plant near a pond.

nutcutlet

Dry? damp?, acid?, alkaline?

star gaze lily

Ooh, sorry, could ask on your thread too please, Justin.  i'd like a small/medium fern for my stumpery that I will be making soon.  soil is clay but prob topsoil where it is going.

Justin Doherty2

Not sure if acid or alkaline, haven't tested. Fairly dry. Not overly.

nutcutlet

matteuccia, the shuttlecock is deciduous and damp loving.

The royal fern like it really wet and preferably acid

harts tongue, asplenium is evergreen, easy but not very big

Lots of info here http://www.plantpost.co.uk/ferns.php