About
This fairly compact, clump-forming to spreading, evergreen fern with tapering fronds and individual leaflets (pinnae) with rounded tips. The stems develop reddish-brown bristly scales.
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
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites. May require some winter protection during cold winters. For more information see how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. Can remove any faded fronds if required.
PropagationPropagate by division or spores
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus