Overview
Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.
About
Dryopteris atrata, commonly known as black fern, is a clump-forming evergreen fern cultivar within the Dryopteris genus, which includes around 300-400 species of wood ferns. This herbaceous perennial typically grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size over 5 to 10 years. It thrives in full to partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with moist but well-drained or well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels. The black fern is notable for its winter interest, adding greenery during the colder months.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching?
Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching need?
Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching 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 to well-drained.
How big does Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching grow?
Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Dryopteris atrata (Wall. ex Kunze) Ching?
Division, Spores.
