About
An upright, clump-forming, semi-evergreen fern with narrow, erect, glossy, lance-shaped, dark green fronds.
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, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen, Deciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich soil in full to partial shade. May be evergreen in warm climates or decidious in cold or exposed locations. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove any dead or damaged fronds in spring if required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free