About

An evergreen fern with a short-creeping rhizome and bold, leathery, rather bluish-green fronds divided into only a few segments.

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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toJapan Taiwan China

Care notes

CultivationRequires moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade with shelter, but thrives in hot climates. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove dead or damages fronds as required
PropagationPropagate by spores, or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free