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 4.0 — Arachniodes
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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