6 Best Full Sun Ferns for the Garden

Ralph Astley is a retired gardener from Philadelphia who specializes in outdoor plants and trees. With years of hands-on experience, Ralph not only cares for a diverse range of outdoor flora but also shares his extensive knowledge through well-written articles and social media posts. A trusted authority in arboriculture, he's committed to helping the community grow healthier, more robust gardens.
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Kangaroo Paw Fern, Holly Fern, Bracken Fern, Lady Fern, Sword Fern, and Interrupted Fern are good choices. They can handle 4-5 hours of sunlight but introduce them slowly and keep the soil moist.

Here are some of the Best Full Sun Fern Varieties that you can grow in your sunny garden or a well lit room indoors without any worries!

These full sun fern varieties are great for places that get direct light for most part of the day like a well lit balcony, garden, or patio.

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Full Sun Fern Varieties

1. Kangaroo Paw Fern

Full Sun Fern Varieties 1 Botanical Name: Microsorum diversifolium

The glossy leaves of this fern are quite adept when it comes to reflecting the sunlight off. It can take in the full sunlight exposure for 4-5 hours without any fuss.

2. Holly Fern

Full Sun Fern Varieties 2
growurban

Botanical Name: Cyrtomium falcatum

This compact fern with pointy and quirky foliage is quite a champ when it comes to taking full-on sun exposure for a few hours, making it a good choice for sunnier spots.

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3. Bracken Fern

Full Sun Ferns 3Botanical Name: Pteridium aquilinum

Adaptable to various environments, including full sun, this fern stays manageable in a middle-sized pot. Do make sure to protect it from extreme afternoon heat, though.

4. Lady Fern

Full Sun Ferns 4Botanical Name: Athyrium filix-femina

Because the individual leaves of the plant are so small, it is able to withstand direct sun exposure for 3-4 hours without any issues. Extreme sun in the warm areas can be an issue.

5. Sword Fern

Full Sun Fern Varieties 6
ncsu

Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata

Known for its hardiness, it can survive in full sun as long as it doesn’t get too intense. It will be more than happy to bask in its morning glory for 4-5 hours!

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6. Interrupted Fern

Full Sun Ferns 6
inaturalist

Botanical Name: Osmunda claytoniana

The fern has this unique name because of the middle section of its fronds that are “interrupted” by smaller, spore-bearing segments. It can take full sun for 4-5 hours easily!


Growing Ferns in Full Sun – Points to Keep in Mind

Before you pick any of the ferns listed above, it is important to understand that these plants can take full sunlight up to a certain extent, i.e., a maximum of 4-5 hours – not more than that.

It is also important that you gradually acclimatize these plants to full sun exposure – starting from 1-2 hours of it every day and then bumping it up to 4-5 hours of exposure in 5-6 weeks. Sudden exposure can cause stress and leaf burn.

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Also, it would be a good idea to increase watering frequency to prevent their fronds from drying out. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist. In extremely hot climates, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

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