best fern for this area?

Pittsburgh, PA

area along a neigbors' fence----dry shade?

Any ferns for this spot?
How tall will they grow?

Sault Ste. Marie, Canada

From personal experience, I have had success with Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) with average to dry soil conditions in 1/2 day full sunlight. I had added ample aged cedar mulch to keep soil cool and hold moisture (and to keep weeds at bay). Was a great success as they spread slowly by rhizomes and filled in nicely. They grow to about 3 feet tall. The only drawback is that they tend to be the first ferns to die in the fall. A benefit is an ample supple of fresh fiddleheads in spring. Attached is a pic from a couple of years ago, you can see the ostrich ferns in the background.

Thumbnail by routledge
Pittsburgh, PA

t hanks--what a lovely pathway!

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