On a larger scale, at 24 to 30 inches, is the hybrid Athyrium called Ghost, a cross between the Japanese painted fern and the North American native lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina).

Lady fern also serves as a host plant to several kinds of caterpillars. Southern Wood Fern This Florida native ( Dryopteris ludoviciana ) goes by several other names, including southern shield ...

Dryopteris x complexa is elegant, grows 3 to 4 feet tall, and is semi-evergreen. The royal fern ( Osmunda regalis ) does best in full sun, growing up to 6 feet tall. Easton: Ferns for containers?

Dryopteris ferns grown in damp shade can also grow well in dry shade too. In addition, you might consider options like hard fern, common polypody fern, eared lady fern, crested golden shield fern ...

Lady fern also serves as a host plant to several kinds of caterpillars. Southern Wood Fern This Florida native ( Dryopteris ludoviciana ) goes by several other names, including southern shield ...

• Dryopteris filix-mas (male fern). Technically not evergreen, but cultivars tend to stay evergreen in the maritime Northwest. Easy, robust, drought-tolerant when established, sun to shade.

The Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is a central Ohio hardy fern with lovely foliage. Its fronds are 18 to 24 inches long; some will grow upright while others will arch up and out.