About
A clump-forming, evergreen fern with triangular, upright to arching, glossy, mid to dark green fronds, fresh green when young and divided into ovate 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 typeLoam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toFar East
Care notes
CultivationPrefers moist but free draining, humus-rich soil in a sheltered, partially shaded position. It will also tolerate full shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove dead or damaged fronds in late autumn or early spring as required.
PropagationPropagate by division or spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free