Q&A: Ferns

A: Generally speaking, ferns are woodland plants that have adapted over millions of years to moist, shady spots beneath trees. Nearly all ferns prefer shade: the fronds of most ferns will fry when exposed to more than an hour or so of direct sunlight. However, the Southern shield fern and the Florida shield fern will tolerate some sunshine. Either is ideal if you live in the South and have trouble growing ferns.

--Paul James, master gardener and host of Gardening by the Yard