Overview
Dryopteris is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Dryopteris grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden and low maintenance.
About
Dryopteris, commonly known as shield fern, is a clump-forming fern from the Dryopteridaceae family. It is semi-evergreen with robust rhizomes and pinnate fronds that are lanceolate or ovate in shape. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil in shaded, sheltered locations, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for underplanting roses and shrubs or adding texture to flower borders and informal gardens, Dryopteris is hardy in the UK and offers winter interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dryopteris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris?
Dryopteris prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris need?
Dryopteris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dryopteris hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris?
Division, Spores.
More in the Dryopteris genus
- Dryopteris affinisscaly male fern
- Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'
- Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches'
- Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens'scaly male fern 'Revolvens'
- Dryopteris cycadinashaggy shield fern
- Dryopteris dickinsii
- Dryopteris erythrosoracopper shield fern
- Dryopteris expansa
