About
This semi-evergreen fern, somewhat variable in form, with a rosette of upright to arching, bipinnate fronds to around 1m in length. Fronds are pale green when young, maturing to dark green.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toBritish Isles
Care notes
CultivationThrives in most cool, moist soils in light or dappled shade, but will tolerate full shade and also full sun if given plenty of moisture. In dry shade sites, water regularly in the first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free