About

A clump-forming, evergreen fern with upright to slightly arching fronds emerging salmon-pink to orange-red when young, then yellow, and maturing to dark green as the seasons progress.

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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya China Taiwan

Care notes

CultivationPlant in a moist but well drained, preferably neutral to acid loam in partial to full shade. Tolerant of dry shade once established but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. Dislikes excessive winter wet. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove any old or damaged fronds in mid spring if required
PropagationPropagate by division or from spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free