Overview

Arachniodes davalliaeformis is a clump forming ferns in the genus Arachniodes, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Arachniodes davalliaeformis grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs, wall side borders and flower borders and beds.

About

Arachniodes davalliaeformis, known as the shiny bristle fern, is a clump-forming evergreen fern belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. This herbaceous perennial thrives in full to partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with moist but well-drained soil, including clay, loam, and chalk types across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, underplanting roses and shrubs, as well as wall side borders and flower beds. Propagation is by division, with interest primarily in spring and summer.

About the genus

Arachniodes is a fern genus in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, in the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. A number of species in this genus are known as "holly ferns".

Wikipedia contributors, "Arachniodes", CC BY-SA 4.0Arachniodes

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Arachniodes

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Chalk
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Arachniodes davalliaeformis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Wall side borders, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Arachniodes davalliaeformis

Propagation
Division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Arachniodes davalliaeformis?

Arachniodes davalliaeformis prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Arachniodes davalliaeformis need?

Arachniodes davalliaeformis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Arachniodes davalliaeformis hardy in the UK?

Arachniodes davalliaeformis has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Arachniodes davalliaeformis?

Division.

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