About

A deciduous or semi-evergreen fern producing produces rose-tinted young fronds which mature to a more golden colour.

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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, or by division in the spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors