About
A clump-forming, evergreen fern with upright to arching, broadly ovate to triangular, grey-green fronds with deeply lobed, lance-shaped leaflets or pinnae.
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 typeLoam, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toNorth America
Care notes
CultivationPrefers a reasonably fertile, humus-rich, moist but well drained, neutral to acid soil in partial to full shade. Best with protection from strong wind. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove any damaged or old fronds in spring if required
PropagationPropagate by division or spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free