About
Doodia media, the common rasp-fern, is a compact, evergreen fern with sword-shaped fronds bearing rich-green, leathery segments along a brown midrib, the new fronds emerging in a warm, salmon-pink before maturing to green. An ornamental and easy-care fern for a moist, shaded or partly shaded border.
About the genus
Doodia, the rasp-ferns, are compact, tufted, evergreen ferns mainly from Australasia, with sword-shaped fronds bearing prickle-toothed, leathery segments, and new fronds often emerging in attractive shades of red or orange-pink. Ornamental and reliable ferns for moist, shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toAustralasia, Polynesia
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in an open, humus-rich compost such as one part each of loam, medium-grade bark and charcoal, two parts sharp sand and three parts leaf mould, in bright, filtered light. Outdoors grow in moist, acid soil in sheltered, partial shade and protect from frost
PruningRemove dead or damaged fronds as required
PropagationPropagate from spores, or by division in late spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free