About
This tall, sturdy fern producing a clump of slightly arched, dark green, lance-shaped fronds, up to 1m long, composed of many narrow pinnae slightly twisted on the stem to leave gaps between them.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationBest in deep, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade, with protection from cold, drying winds. See hardy fern cultivation
PruningNo pruning required, but can remove and dead or damaged fronds as required
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free