Overview
Dryopteris uliginosa is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Dryopteris uliginosa grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden and low maintenance.
About
Dryopteris uliginosa is a semi-evergreen fern cultivar within the Dryopteris genus, known for its clump-forming habit. These ferns typically thrive in moist, humus-rich soils under shaded or partially shaded conditions, making them suitable for sheltered north, east, or west-facing aspects. They prefer a range of soil types including loam, clay, sand, and chalk, with pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, Dryopteris uliginosa is ideal for underplanting roses and shrubs, flower borders, and informal gardens, offering interest through spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dryopteris uliginosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris uliginosa
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris uliginosa?
Dryopteris uliginosa prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris uliginosa need?
Dryopteris uliginosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dryopteris uliginosa hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris uliginosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris uliginosa?
Division, Spores.
More in the Dryopteris genus
- Dryopterisshield fern
- Dryopteris affinisscaly male fern

- Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'

- Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches'

- Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens'scaly male fern 'Revolvens'

- Dryopteris cycadinashaggy shield fern

- Dryopteris dickinsii
- Dryopteris erythrosoracopper shield fern
