- Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Height 20 - 22 Inches
- Width 28 - 30 Inches
- Growing Zones 3-8
Ferns are a superb choice for shade and partial shade gardens. Crested Surf Fern resembles Japanese Painted Ferns but with double-crested frond tips. Ferns are grown for their intricately textured foliage. This medium height, dark green perennial fern is hardy in zones 3 through 8. It will grow to between 20 and 22 inches tall with a 28- to 30-inch spread with an upright habit.
Crested Surf Fern is rabbit resistant and has average watering requirements It will have the best coloration when grown in light to partial shade conditions. Add this fern to mass plantings and border, perennial, or mixed gardens. It can also be used in the thriller role in container gardens. The fronds look great in floral arrangements.
Crested Surf Fern Care
This easy to grow plant can be grown at any soil fertility level from poor to great. The soil Ph level can be either acidic or neutral. The soil does need to remain moist and not dry out, but should be able to drain. Pick a location that is somewhat protected from strong winds.
Don’t cut back old fronds in the fall. Cut them back when new spring fronds are 6 inches tall. No need to fertilize, but you can add compost and other organic matter to the soil to help the plants grow. We also recommend applying a layer of mulch around the plants to help protect the roots and help keep the soil moist.
Crested Surf Fern Spacing
Space individual fern plants 28 to 30 inches apart. They will fill in to create a lovely garden setting.
Crested Surf Fern Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Sunlight Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade |
Mature Height: 20 - 22 Inches |
Mature Width: 28 - 30 Inches |
Plant Spacing: 28 - 30 Inches |
Growth Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Seasonal Interest: Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Type: Semi-Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Dark Green |
Resists: Rabbits |
Features: Foliage Interest |
Uses: Border Plant, Container, Landscape, Groundcover, Mass Planting |
Plant Brand: Proven Winners |
Botanical/Scientific Name: Athyrium niponicum USPPAF, Can PBRAF |
- SKU:
- ATHCS
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
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Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.