Overview
Dryopteris aemula is a fern in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. Dryopteris aemula grows best in shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is native to Madeira Island, Corvo Island, Faial Island, Flores Island, Graciosa Island, Pico Island, Santa Maria Island and São Jorge Island.
About
Dryopteris aemula is a fern notable for its hay-scented fronds. It prefers shade to partial shade and favours moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Plant in north- or east-facing, sheltered positions where soil remains consistently moist; it is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and remains present through winter. It suits woodland garden planting and shaded borders where its scent is a discreet feature.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris aemula
About the genus
Dryopteris, commonly called the wood ferns, male ferns, or buckler ferns, is a fern genus in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I). There are about 300-400 species in the genus. The species are distributed in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific islands, with the highest diversity in eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dryopteris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris
In the garden
Dryopteris aemula is a woodland fern native to Madeira and several Atlantic islands, including Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria and São Jorge. As a species from oceanic islands, it is adapted to cool, sheltered, humid settings rather than exposed, dry sites. Give this fern a shady to partially shaded position and a soil rich in humus that stays moist yet drains freely. Aim for an acidic to neutral soil reaction and avoid exposed aspects; north- or east-facing positions with some shelter are best. The plant is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy in UK gardens and will persist through winter in suitable microclimates. Use Dryopteris aemula in woodland gardens and shaded borders where ground conditions remain damp and sheltered. Its hay-scented fronds provide a subtle aromatic note in shaded planting, so place it where the scent can be noticed from a path or seating area. Allow surrounding planting to buffer wind and drying; in those conditions the fern will contribute seasonal presence and scent to cool, shady corners.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- shade, partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Dryopteris aemula size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Suggested uses
- woodland gardens, shaded borders
- Native to
- Madeira Island, Corvo Island, Faial Island, Flores Island, Graciosa Island, Pico Island, Santa Maria Island, São Jorge Island
- Fragrance
- hay-scented
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris aemula
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded, moist, humus-rich soil; avoid direct sunlight; maintain consistent moisture
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring
- Propagation
- Spores, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris aemula?
Prefers shaded, moist, humus-rich soil; avoid direct sunlight; maintain consistent moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris aemula?
Dryopteris aemula prefers shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris aemula need?
Dryopteris aemula is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Dryopteris aemula?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring.
Is Dryopteris aemula hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris aemula has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris aemula?
Spores, division.
