Once upon a time, a very long time ago, I considered my ferns to be companion plants for my rhododendrons.Now, of course, the rhododendrons are the companion plants for my ferns.With their similar cultural requirements, they do indeed complement each other. There are many other options for the woodland floor, however, and here are some of my favorites.Helleborus niger and H. orientalis and their hybrids contrast splendidly with ferny foliage and in my garden offer a floral bouquet from early winter through spring.Helleborus orientalis hybrids come in many colors and new strains, including some with double flowers that are the focus of current breeding programs. They need an annual grooming but are evergreen and easy.

Both deciduous and evergreen epimediums are becoming available in an increasing assortment of foliar and floral colors. They too benefit from an annual shearing, but are extremely durable and desirable ground covers and, once established, will tolerate difficult areas of dry shade. I happen to be partial to those that produce red-tinged new leaves and find them particularly attractive with the rosy new fronds of Dryopteris erythrosora. (Back this up with a red-flowering or red-leafed rhododendron for a splendid spring picture.)

Hostas with their varied and sometimes bold leaves are favorites and make outstanding foils for the delicate tracery of fern foliage. They have compatible soil, shade, and moisture requirements and range in size from miniatures to giants.Unfortunately they have a tendency to attract slugs (so do not plant them near your aspleniums), but new strains are likely to be more resistant. Heucheras, available in ever-increasing abundance, attract hummingbirds with their flowers while providing interesting foliar patterns.Unusual color combinations feature silvers and burgundies with assorted shades of green.Most heucheras require strong light for a healthy appearance. Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ (Japanese painted fern) is stunning when planted with some of the shiny deep black-red cultivars, such as Heuchera obsidian. Arisaemas, the Jacks-in-the-pulpit and friends with their unique habit and definitely unique “flowers,” give an added interest in the shade and do not challenge ferns for territory. They look best when embraced in foliage, however. A solitary plant is a lonely plant indeed. Regardless of how and how often they are planted, many of mine have a disconcerting tendency to turn their backs on their audience the following spring. Arisaema sikokianum, one of my favorites, consistently hides its loveliness in this manner