Overview
Davallia pentaphylla is a bushy, matforming fern in the genus Davallia, part of the Davalliaceae family, with evergreen, deciduous foliage. Davallia pentaphylla grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical and cut flowers.
About
Davallia pentaphylla is a fern cultivar belonging to the genus Davallia, known for its finely divided fronds that arise from creeping, scaly rhizomes. This bushy, matforming plant features evergreen foliage and thrives in partial shade with a preference for east, north, or west-facing, sheltered aspects. It grows best in moist but well-drained loam soil with an acid to neutral pH. Suitable for patios, containers, and sub-tropical gardens, it requires moist, humus-rich soil and shade for cultivation. Propagation is by dividing rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots, with interest in spring and summer seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Davallia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Davallia pentaphylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Habit
- Bushy, Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Davallia pentaphylla
- Propagation
- Divide rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Davallia pentaphylla?
Davallia pentaphylla prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Davallia pentaphylla need?
Davallia pentaphylla grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Davallia pentaphylla hardy in the UK?
Davallia pentaphylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Davallia pentaphylla?
Divide rhizomes in spring, ensuring each division has roots.
More in the Davallia genus
- Davallia bullatasquirrel's foot fern
- Davallia solida var. pyxidata
- Davallia tasmaniiTasman's davallia
- Davallia trichomanoides var. lorrainei