About
A semi-evergreen, clump-forming fern with triangular to lance-shaped, green fronds divided into oblong leaflets (pinnae) with toothed or shallowly lobed margins. Fronds are yellow-green when young.
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, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toAfghanistan to W Nepal
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well while plant establishes. For mor information see our advice page how to grow ferns.
PruningGenerally not required. Can remove any faded fronds if required.
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free