About
A clump-forming, evergreen fern with upright to arching, triangular fronds divided into lance-shaped, toothed, mid-green leaflets or pinnae. The underside of mature fronds are often covered in fine hairs.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toNE USA
Care notes
CultivationPlant in a moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full or partial shade with shelter from strong winds. Mulch soils to help maintain moisture levels. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns.
PruningRemove any dead or damaged fronds as required
PropagationPropagate by division or spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free