Overview
Dryopteris dilatata is a fern in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Dryopteris dilatata grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and borders. It is native to Europe except extreme S and E to C Russia.
About
Dryopteris dilatata is a shade-loving fern with broad, arching fronds that typically reach about 1.2 m. It forms a substantial clump and suits sheltered, north- to west-facing corners. It prefers consistently moist but well-drained soils across a wide pH range. It is fully hardy in UK gardens.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris dilatata
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
In the garden
A member of the family Dryopteridaceae, Dryopteris dilatata originates from much of Europe, extending eastwards to central Russia. Its name reflects the wide, shield-like fronds that give it presence in shaded parts of the garden rather than bright sun. Mature plants commonly reach around 1.2 m in height and persist through the colder months, providing structure when many neighbours have died back. Plant in partial shade or full shade on a sheltered north, east or west aspect. It tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they remain moist but well drained, and will grow on acidic, neutral or alkaline soils. Allow room for the fronds to arch by spacing plants to the height they will reach rather than squeezing them into narrow gaps. Use Dryopteris dilatata in shade gardens, woodland-style borders and mixed shady borders where its textured foliage contrasts with spring bulbs and other shade perennials. It is rated H7 (fully hardy) and also fits USDA zones 4–8, so it tolerates hard winters without special winter protection. For tidy crowns and clear view of fresh spring fronds, leave old fronds in place until early spring and then remove any shredded or collapsed fronds.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North, East, West
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Dryopteris dilatata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Shade garden, Woodland garden, Borders
- Native to
- Europe except extreme S, E to C Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris dilatata
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shady locations; avoid direct sunlight; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring
- Propagation
- Spores, Division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris dilatata?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shady locations; avoid direct sunlight; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris dilatata?
Dryopteris dilatata prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris dilatata need?
Dryopteris dilatata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Dryopteris dilatata?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring.
How big does Dryopteris dilatata grow?
Dryopteris dilatata reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Dryopteris dilatata hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris dilatata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris dilatata?
Spores, Division in spring or autumn.
