Overview
Dryopteris wallichiana is a tufted ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris wallichiana grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. It is low maintenance.
About
Dryopteris wallichiana, the alpine wood fern, is a robust species of deciduous or semi-evergreen fern in the family Dryopteridaceae, native to the Himalayas, Hawaii, Mexico and Jamaica. It grows to 90 cm (35 in) tall, occasionally 180 cm (71 in) by 75 cm (30 in) wide, with pale green tripinnate fronds, strongly contrasting with the dark brown ribs. A popular plant in cultivation, it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing, north-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris wallichiana
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Dryopteris wallichiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris wallichiana?
Dryopteris wallichiana prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris wallichiana need?
Dryopteris wallichiana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Dryopteris wallichiana grow?
Dryopteris wallichiana reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
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
