Overview
Woodwardia fimbriata is a clump forming ferns in the genus Woodwardia, part of the Blechnaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Woodwardia fimbriata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds. It is native to British Columbia.
About
Woodwardia fimbriata, known by the common name giant chain fern, is an evergreen perennial fern species in the family Blechnaceae, in the eupolypods II clade of the order Polypodiales, in the class Polypodiopsida. It is native to western North America from British Columbia through California, including the Sierra Nevada, into Baja California. It grows in coniferous forests and other moist wooded habitat. It was first described by James Edward Smith and is characterized by its large fronds and arrangement of reproductive sori. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers partial shade and clay and loam soil. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and north-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Woodwardia fimbriata
About the genus
Woodwardia is a genus of ferns in the family Blechnaceae, in the suborder Aspleniineae of the order Polypodiales. Species are known as netted-chain ferns. The genus is native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Wikipedia contributors, "Woodwardia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Woodwardia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Woodwardia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Woodwardia fimbriata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- British Columbia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Woodwardia fimbriata
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained to poorly-drained soils; tolerates acid to neutral pH; suitable for sheltered locations; can be grown in containers or garden beds.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance; cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Division, Spores, Plantlets
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Woodwardia fimbriata?
Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained to poorly-drained soils; tolerates acid to neutral pH; suitable for sheltered locations; can be grown in containers or garden beds.
Where is the best place to plant Woodwardia fimbriata?
Woodwardia fimbriata prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Woodwardia fimbriata need?
Woodwardia fimbriata grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Woodwardia fimbriata?
Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance; cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Woodwardia fimbriata grow?
Woodwardia fimbriata reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Woodwardia fimbriata hardy in the UK?
Woodwardia fimbriata has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Woodwardia fimbriata?
Division, Spores, Plantlets.