Plants That Look Like Ferns

If you love the look of ferns but need something for a tricky spot, you’re in the right place. Many plants that look like ferns offer that same elegant and feathery foliage without the fuss. They can thrive in sun, handle drier soil, or even bloom with color, giving you more options for your garden design.

This guide will show you some of the best fern-lookalikes. We’ll cover how to choose them, where to plant them, and how to care for them. You can get that soft, textured look in almost any part of your yard.

This group includes perennials, shrubs, and even annuals. Their leaves are finely divided, which creates that light, airy feel. Here are some top choices to consider.

Astilbe

Astilbe is a classic shade perennial with fern-like, dark green leaves. In summer, it sends up beautiful plumes of flowers in pink, white, or red. It’s perfect for adding texture and color to a shady border.

Prefers partial to full shade and moist, rich soil.
Excellent for woodland gardens or damp areas.
The flower plumes can be left for winter interest.

Cosmos (Bipinnatus Varieties)

The foliage of cosmos is incredibly fine and feathery. It’s an annual that grows quickly from seed, producing daisy-like flowers all summer. It brings a cottage garden charm.

Loves full sun and well-drained soil.
Very easy to grow; great for cutting gardens.
Self-seeds readily in many climates.

Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)

Despite its name, this is not a true fern. It’s a member of the asparagus family. Its stems are covered with tiny, leaf-like structures called cladodes that form soft, triangular fronds.

Often grown as a houseplant or annual in containers.
Prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
Can be somewhat invasive in warm, frost-free climates if planted outdoors.

Japanese Meadowsweet (Filipendula purpurea)

This plant has deeply cut, palmate leaves that strongly resemble some fern fronds. In early summer, it produces fluffy, pink flower clusters above the foliage.

Thrives in partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Adds a bold, textural element to the back of a border.
It’s a good choice for rain gardens.

Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima)

Valued for its silvery-white, lace-like foliage, Dusty Miller provides fantastic contrast. It’s often used in borders and containers as a foliage accent.

Loves full sun and well-drained soil.
Drought tolerant once established.
Typically grown as an annual in most regions.

False Queen Anne’s Lace (Ammi majus)

This annual has delicate, ferny leaves similar to wild carrot. It produces large, lacy white flower umbels that are beloved by pollinators.

Prefers full sun and average soil.
Excellent filler in cut flower arrangements.
Easy to grow from seed sown directly in the garden.

How to Choose the Right Fern-Like Plant

Picking the perfect plant depends on your garden’s conditions. The right choice will thrive with less effort from you.

Assess Your Light

Light is the most important factor. Observe your garden throught the day.

Full Sun (6+ hours): Cosmos, Dusty Miller, False Queen Anne’s Lace.
Partial Shade (3-6 hours): Astilbe, Japanese Meadowsweet.
Full Shade (less than 3 hours): Some Astilbe varieties can handle it.

Understand Your Soil

Check your soil’s texture and moisture.

Moist, Rich Soil: Astilbe and Japanese Meadowsweet adore these conditions.
Well-Drained, Average Soil: Cosmos, Dusty Miller, and Ammi majus are ideal.
If your soil is poor, you can always amend it with compost before planting.

Consider Your Climate Zone

Check your USDA Hardiness Zone. This tells you which plants will survive your winters as perennials.

Astilbe and Filipendula are perennial in zones 4-8.
Asparagus Fern is only winter-hardy in zones 9-11.
Plants like Cosmos are grown as annuals everywhere.

Planting and Care Guide

Getting these plants off to a good start is simple. Follow these basic steps for success.

Step 1: Planting

Spring or early fall is the best time to plant perennials. For annuals, wait until after the last frost.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.
Gently loosen the roots if the plant is pot-bound.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the base.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Step 2: Watering

Consistent watering is key in the first season. After that, most plants will be fairly resilient.

Keep the soil evenly moist for Astilbe and Meadowsweet, especially in dry spells.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out for sun-lovers like Cosmos and Dusty Miller.
Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause disease.

Step 3: Fertilizing

Most of these plants don’t need heavy feeding. A little compost in spring is often enough.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges.
For heavy bloomers like Cosmos, a monthly dose of liquid fertilizer can help.
Avoid over-fertilizing Astilbe, as it can lead to weak growth.

Step 4: Pruning and Maintenance

A little tidying up keeps plants looking their best and encourages more growth.

Deadhead spent flowers on Cosmos and Ammi to prolong blooming.
Cut back Astilbe and Meadowsweet foliage in late fall or early spring.
For Dusty Miller, pinch back stem tips early in the season to encourage bushiness.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

Use these plants to create specific looks and feelings in your landscape.

Softening Hardscapes

The fine texture of fern-like plants is perfect for softening edges. Plant them along pathways, at the base of walls, or around patios. They blur hard lines and make spaces feel more inviting.

Creating Texture Contrast

Pair them with plants that have broad, bold leaves. Hostas, ligularias, or bergenia provide a stunning contrast. The feathery foliage will make the larger leaves stand out even more.

Adding Light to Shady Corners

The light-reflective quality of silvery Dusty Miller or the bright green of Asparagus Fern can brighten a dark spot. They create the illusion of dappled sunlight even in deep shade.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even easy plants can face a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.

Yellowing Leaves

This can have a few causes.

Overwatering: Common for sun-loving plants in heavy soil. Improve drainage.
Underwatering: Astilbe leaves will crisp and brown if too dry.
Nutrient Deficiency: A light application of fertilizer may help.

Leggy Growth

When stems get long and sparse, it’s usually a light issue.

Plants like Cosmos and Dusty Miller in too much shade will stretch for the sun.
Move them to a sunnier location if possible, or pinch them back to encourage branching.

Pests

These plants are generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out.

Aphids might appear on new growth. A strong spray of water usually dislodges them.
Slugs can chew holes in Astilbe leaves. Use organic slug bait or traps if needed.

FAQ

What are some outdoor plants with fern-like leaves?
Great outdoor choices include Astilbe, Japanese Meadowsweet (Filipendula), Cosmos, and Dusty Miller. They offer that feathery look in garden beds.

Are there any full sun plants that resemble ferns?
Absolutely. Cosmos, Dusty Miller, and False Queen Anne’s Lace (Ammi majus) all thrive in full sun and have beautiful, delicate foliage.

Which fern-lookalike plants are good for shade?
Astilbe is the top pick for shade. Some varieties of Corydalis also have finely divided leaves and do well in partial to full shade.

Can I grow a fern-like plant indoors?
Yes, the Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus) is a popular and relatively easy houseplant. It prefers bright, indirect light.

Do any of these plants have flowers?
Many do! Astilbe has plumes, Cosmos and Ammi have daisy-like blooms, and Filipendula has fluffy clusters. The flowers are a bonus on top of the great foliage.

Adding plants that look like ferns is a smart way to get that desired texture. You gain flexiblity for different garden conditions. With so many options, from sunny annuals to shade-loving perennials, you can enjoy elegant and feathery foliage just about anywhere.