What To Plant With Ostrich Fern

What to plant with ostrich fern is best answered with shade-loving, moisture-loving companions that match its woodland habitat.
 
You want plants that thrive in similar conditions of rich, damp soil and dappled or partial shade.
 
Planting with ostrich fern in the right company creates a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that looks like a natural forest floor.
 
In this post, we’ll explore which plants to grow with ostrich fern, why these pairings work, and how to design around these tall, elegant fronds.
 
Let’s get into the perfect companions for your ostrich ferns.
 

Best Companion Plants for Ostrich Fern

Plant with ostrich fern companions that share its love for consistent moisture and protection from harsh sun.
 
Here are top choices for planting with ostrich fern:
 

Hostas

Hostas are classic partners when you plant with ostrich fern.
 
Both enjoy partial to full shade and moist, well‑draining soil.
 
The broad, textured leaves of hostas contrast beautifully with the feathery ostrich fern fronds.
 
Choose hosta varieties in different sizes and leaf colors to add depth to your shade garden.
 
Growing hostas near ostrich ferns also helps suppress weeds with their dense foliage.
 

Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra)

Bleeding hearts are another excellent option when you plant with ostrich fern.
 
Their delicate, heart‑shaped flowers in pink or white add a soft, romantic touch.
 
Bleeding hearts emerge early in spring, just as ostrich fern fiddleheads unfurl.
 
Both plants go dormant by midsummer, so the ostrich fern will take over the visual space later.
 
Planting with ostrich fern and bleeding hearts creates a succession of interest from spring to fall.
 

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild ginger works wonderfully as a groundcover when you plant with ostrich fern.
 
It stays low, spreading slowly to form a dense mat that retains soil moisture.
 
The kidney‑shaped leaves of wild ginger complement the vertical lines of ostrich fern.
 
Both species prefer rich, woodland soil with consistent dampness.
 
This combination makes a natural, almost wild look in your shade garden.
 

Foamflower (Tiarella)

Foamflower brings airy spikes of white or pink flowers in late spring.
 
It thrives in the same moist, shaded conditions as ostrich fern.
 
The foliage of foamflower is often mottled or lobed, adding texture at ground level.
 
Plant with ostrich fern and foamflower to create a layered effect with low and tall elements.
 
Foamflower also spreads gently, helping to fill in bare spots without being invasive.
 

Tips for Planting with Ostrich Fern

Successful planting with ostrich fern relies on mimicking its natural woodland environment.
 
Keep these tips in mind when you plant with ostrich fern companions:
 

Space for Spread

Ostrich ferns are vigorous spreaders via underground rhizomes.
 
Give them plenty of room – at least two to three feet between plants.
 
When you plant with ostrich fern, place slower‑growing companions like hostas or wild ginger at a slight distance.
 
This prevents the fern from overwhelming smaller plants.
 
Regular division of ostrich fern clumps also keeps the balance in your garden.
 

Consistent Moisture

All plants you choose for planting with ostrich fern should tolerate damp soil.
 
Ostrich ferns need consistent moisture, especially during their first growing season.
 
Add a layer of organic mulch (shredded leaves or bark) to help retain moisture and cool the roots.
 
Avoid planting with ostrich fern in drought‑prone spots unless you are prepared to water regularly.
 
A drip irrigation system or soaker hose works well for keeping the whole bed evenly moist.
 

Soil Enrichment

Ostrich ferns prefer rich, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter.
 
Before planting with ostrich fern, amend your soil with compost or well‑rotted manure.
 
This gives both the ferns and their companions the nutrients they need.
 
A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) works best for most shade‑loving plants.
 
Test your soil and adjust accordingly when you plant with ostrich fern.
 

Designs That Feature Ostrich Fern Companions

You can create stunning garden scenes by thoughtfully planting with ostrich fern.
 
Here are two design ideas:
 

Woodland Garden Layer

Plant with ostrich fern as the tallest layer at the back of a border or under trees.
 
In front of them, add medium‑height companions like bleeding hearts and foamflower.
 
At the very front, use low groundcovers like wild ginger or creeping Jenny (in moist areas).
 
This tiered planting with ostrich fern creates depth and visual interest throughout the season.
 
The fern fronds act as a graceful backdrop for the smaller blooms and foliage.
 

Stream‑Side or Rain Garden Border

Ostrich ferns love wet feet, so they are perfect near streams, ponds, or rain gardens.
 
Plant with ostrich fern alongside moisture‑lovers like turtlehead (Chelone), cardinal flower, or swamp milkweed.
 
These plants handle occasional standing water and provide bright flowers that contrast with the green fern fronds.
 
The combination is both wildlife‑friendly and visually striking.
 
Just ensure the ostrich ferns don’t get too much direct sun – partial shade is ideal.
 

So, What to Plant with Ostrich Fern?

What to plant with ostrich fern includes hostas, bleeding hearts, wild ginger, and foamflower – all shade‑loving, moisture‑loving companions.
 
Planting with ostrich fern in these combinations creates a natural, low‑maintenance woodland garden that looks beautiful from spring through fall.
 
Remember to give your ostrich ferns room to spread, keep the soil consistently moist, and enrich it with organic matter.
 
With the right partners, your ostrich ferns will thrive and become the centerpiece of a lush, serene shade garden.
 
Happy planting with ostrich fern!