Ferns

I really like ferns, but have had no success in growing any outdoors in this merciless heat zone 9. Fig trees are the best shade option in my yard. Any suggestions or is the idea just a hopeless cause? I saw an online ad for cinnamon fern that was interesting, but I hesitate to take the plunge

Yuska

The only ferns I've had good luck with is the Southern Wood Ferns. They hold well in heat and can stand the soil dry out a bit more then other ferns. Not sure if they would do well in your soil, but it's a fern worth looking into. hth

I have Southern Wood Fern also, and Japanese Holly Fern. But I have good shade. I am not sure of what ferns are more tolerant of both heat and sun...

You might look into plants with fern-like foliage.

Thanks for your info. Maybe I should just stop wishing for plants that won't do well here.
I've experimented so much over the years my curiosity should be squelched, but as an incurable optimist, I keep trying. I'll try your suggestions if I can find them.Yuska

Yuska ~ I am not so sure the heat is the problem. I am more suspicious of inadequate moisture. Moisture here is fine in spring but spotty in summer.

I have a sword fern in ground. I also have an arborvitae fern and a leather leaf fern which I intend to plant in ground this year.

You probably have the problem pegged. Also, I wonder about soil density and pH. I keep amending this rocky black clay with compost as often as I can, but it is still quite heavily textured