Overview
Dryopteris fragrans is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Dryopteris fragrans 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
Dryopteris fragrans, commonly known as the fragrant woodfern, a circumboreal fern, is the smallest of the Dryopteris species. The name refers to an appealing fruity fragrance (which some liken to primrose) that is exuded by aromatic glands found on the surface of fresh fronds. Others say that it has a spicy odor when dry. The fronds were traditionally made into a tea, as well as used as bedding by Native Americans. 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 fragrans
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 fragrans 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 fragrans
- 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 fragrans?
Dryopteris fragrans prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris fragrans need?
Dryopteris fragrans grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers neutral and acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dryopteris fragrans hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris fragrans 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 fragrans?
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
