Overview

Woodsia alpina is a clump forming ferns in the genus Woodsia, part of the Woodsiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Woodsia alpina grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock garden, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.

About

Woodsia alpina, commonly known as alpine woodsia or northern woodsia, is a clump-forming deciduous fern belonging to the genus Woodsia. These compact, tufted ferns have pinnate or bi-pinnate fronds, making them well suited for rock gardens. This cultivar thrives in partial shade with a north, east, or west-facing aspect and prefers moist but well-drained, humus-rich soils such as loam, chalk, or sand with neutral to alkaline pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is ideal for sheltered locations and is best grown in spring and summer, suitable for informal gardens, underplanting, and flower borders.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Woodsia

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Chalk, Sand

Soil pH

Neutral, Alkaline

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Woodsia alpina size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Ferns

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Woodsia alpina

Propagation

Division, Spores

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions