Overview
Dryopteris affinis is a tufted ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris affinis grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Europe and Asia.
About
This hardy semi-evergreen fern develops a rosette of upright, bipinnatifid fronds that can reach up to 1.2 meters long. The young fronds emerge in a bright yellow-green hue, transitioning to a deeper green as they mature. The stems are adorned with dense, enduring golden scales.
About the genus
Dryopteris consists of ferns that may be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen. They feature robust, upright or sprawling rhizomes and form rosettes of fronds that are either lanceolate or ovate in shape, with a pinnate division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dryopteris affinis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris affinis
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice
- Pruning
- Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free outdoors
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris affinis?
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris affinis?
Dryopteris affinis prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris affinis need?
Dryopteris affinis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Dryopteris affinis?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
How big does Dryopteris affinis grow?
Dryopteris affinis reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Dryopteris affinis hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris affinis has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Dryopteris affinis?
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring.