Overview
Dryopteris filix-mas is a tufted ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris filix-mas grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildflower meadow. It is native to Temp. N. Hemis..
About
This sturdy deciduous fern develops a tuft resembling a shuttlecock, featuring lance-shaped fronds that are bipinnatifid and can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters.
About the genus
Dryopteris consists of ferns that may be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen. They feature robust, upright or sprawling rhizomes and form rosettes of fronds that are either lanceolate or ovate in shape, with a pinnate division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Dryopteris filix-mas size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Temp. N. Hemis.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris filix-mas
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well
- Pruning
- Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free outdoors
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris filix-mas?
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris filix-mas?
Dryopteris filix-mas prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris filix-mas need?
Dryopteris filix-mas is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Dryopteris filix-mas?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
How big does Dryopteris filix-mas grow?
Dryopteris filix-mas reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Dryopteris filix-mas hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris filix-mas has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Dryopteris filix-mas?
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring.