About

This evergreen to semi-evergreen fern forming a vase-shaped clump of whorled, upright to slightly arching, green fronds divided into narrowly lance-shaped to oblong, lobed leaflets or pinnae.

About the genus

Dryopteris can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen ferns, with stout, erect or decumbent rhizomes and shuttlecock-like rosettes of lance-shaped to ovate, pinnately divided fronds

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationPrefers moist but well drained neutral to slightly acid soil in partial shade. Can tolerate dryer soils once established.
PruningRemove any old or damaged fronds in spring if required.
PropagationPropagate by division or spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free