10 Heat Tolerant Ferns that Love the Sun: Resilient Varieties for Sunny Gardens

I know many gardeners love ferns but worry they can’t grow them in sunny spots. Good news! Some ferns actually thrive in bright sunlight.

These sun-loving ferns add beauty and texture to gardens while standing up to heat and direct light.

I’ve found 10 ferns that do well in full sun and hot conditions. These tough plants keep their lush, green foliage even when exposed to intense sunlight for hours each day.

They’re perfect for brightening up sunny areas where other ferns might wilt. Let’s look at some great options for sunny fern plantings.

1: Australian Sword Fern

I find the Australian Sword Fern to be a tough and adaptable plant. It has long, sword-shaped fronds that arch gracefully.

This fern can handle both sun and shade, making it versatile for many gardens.

The fronds stay green year-round in warm climates.

They can grow up to 3 feet long. I’ve seen them used as ground cover or in containers. They’re easy to care for and resist pests well.

2: Kimberly Queen Fern

I love the Kimberly Queen Fern for sunny spots. It’s tough and handles heat well. This fern has long, narrow fronds that grow upright.

It looks great in pots or hanging baskets. I often see it on patios in spring and summer. The bright green color adds life to any space.

3: Boston Blue Bell Fern

The Boston Blue Bell Fern is a stunning variety of the classic Boston Fern. I love its elegant, arching fronds that create a beautiful cascading effect.

This fern thrives in bright, indirect light but can handle some sun. It’s more heat-tolerant than many other ferns, making it a great choice for warmer climates.

I find the Boston Blue Bell easy to care for. It likes humid conditions and regular watering. With proper care, it can grow quite large and make a striking statement in any space.

4: Japanese Holly Fern

Japanese Holly Fern is a tough plant that can handle some sun. It has shiny dark green leaves that look like holly.

This fern grows well in partial shade to full shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Japanese Holly Fern is hardy in zones 6-11. It’s easy to care for and can be used as a groundcover or border plant.

5: Macho Fern

Macho ferns are tough plants that can handle some sun. I’ve found they do best in bright indirect light or partial shade. These ferns like moist, well-draining soil that’s a bit acidic.

I make sure to water my macho fern regularly to keep the soil damp.

It can grow quite large, so I give it plenty of space. The fronds are deep green and sword-shaped, making a bold statement.

6: Dallas Fern

I find the Dallas fern to be a great choice for sunny spots. It’s a variety of Boston fern that can handle more light and heat.

The Dallas fern has lush, arching fronds that create a full, bushy appearance. It grows well in hanging baskets or containers on patios.

This fern likes bright, indirect light but can adapt to some direct sun. I make sure to keep the soil moist and humidity high for best results.

7: Western Sword Fern

I love the Western Sword Fern for sunny spots. It’s a tough evergreen that can handle full sun and dry conditions.

This fern has long, glossy green fronds that look like swords. They form a big, impressive clump in the garden.

Western Sword Ferns work great as standalone plants or in groups. They’re also nice in woodland gardens and floral arrangements.

8: Asparagus Fern

I find asparagus ferns to be unique sun-loving plants. They’re not true ferns but have feathery, fern-like foliage. These plants do well in bright light or partial sun.

Asparagus ferns need regular watering to keep their soil moist. They grow best in warm, humid climates. I’ve noticed they can reach up to 2 meters tall when climbing.

9: Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair ferns are graceful plants with delicate, feathery foliage. I’ve found they can tolerate some sun, but prefer filtered light.

These ferns do best with consistent moisture and humidity. I keep mine in a partly shaded spot outdoors or near a window indoors.

With proper care, maidenhair ferns add an elegant, lacy texture to gardens and homes.

10: Royal Fern

Royal ferns are stunning plants that can thrive in sunny spots. I love their elegant fronds that can grow up to 6 feet tall.

These ferns do well with some direct sun, especially in the morning. They need moist soil to look their best. I find they grow nicely near water features or in boggy areas.

Royal ferns add a majestic touch to gardens. Their large size makes them great as background plants or focal points.

I enjoy watching their fronds unfurl in spring, starting out with a coppery color.