Bracken fern is a large tough fern that spreads via underground rhizomes. It is one of our most sun-tolerant ferns, and will grudgingly accept periodic dry-down. A stand of bracken ferns is tall - plant behind other moisture lovers such as nettle-leaf giant hyssop, sneezeweed, and miterwort. Like all ferns, bracken appreciates an organic mulch (such as wood chips or chopped leaves) to conserve moisture and boost nutrients.