Overview
Dryopteris expansa is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Dryopteris expansa grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and neutral and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
It prefers cool, moist mixed or evergreen forests and rock crevices on alpine slopes, often growing on rotting logs and tree stumps and rocky slopes. It is characteristically riparian in nature, and is especially associated with stream banks. In the wild it grows across North America, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Aleutian Is. and other regions. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and clay and loam soil. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for cottage and informal garden. It tolerates neutral and acid soils, moist but well-drained conditions and west-facing, east-facing and north-facing aspects. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris expansa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dryopteris expansa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris expansa
- Propagation
- Propagate by division or from spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris expansa?
Dryopteris expansa prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris expansa need?
Dryopteris expansa grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers neutral and acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dryopteris expansa hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris expansa has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Dryopteris expansa?
Propagate by division or from spores.
More in the Dryopteris genus
- Dryopterisshield fern
- Dryopteris affinisscaly male fern
- Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'
- Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches'
- Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens'scaly male fern 'Revolvens'
- Dryopteris cycadinashaggy shield fern
- Dryopteris dickinsii
- Dryopteris erythrosoracopper shield fern
