About
A semi-evergreen fern forming a rosette of crested, tripinnate, triangular-ovate fronds with narrow segments giving a lacy appearance.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil in partial shade. Will thrive in full sun if there is moisture at the roots. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningIn spring remove untidy fronds to encourage new growth
PropagationSow spores at 15°C (59°F) as soon as ripe or divide mature plants in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but moth larvae may feed on spores
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free