Overview
Dryopteris lacera is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Dryopteris lacera grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden and low maintenance.
About
Dryopteris lacera, commonly known as leathery wood fern, is a semi-evergreen fern cultivar within the Dryopteris genus. This clump-forming plant thrives in moist, humus-rich soils under shaded conditions, making it suitable for full or partial shade in sheltered north, east, or west-facing aspects. It adapts well to various soil types and pH levels, including loam, clay, sand, chalk, acid, alkaline, and neutral soils. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for underplanting roses and shrubs, flower borders, and informal gardens, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dryopteris lacera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris lacera
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris lacera?
Dryopteris lacera prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris lacera need?
Dryopteris lacera is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dryopteris lacera hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris lacera has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris lacera?
Division, 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
