About
A clump-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen fern with fronds that can reach up to 2m long on mature specimens and the frond leaflets (pinnae) are characteristically narrow. In late summer and early autumn small plantlets can often be seen on the mature frond upper surfaces. The young fronds vary in colour, sometimes green but often very intensely coloured carmine or orange.
About the genus
Woodwardia are robust rhizomatous ferns with deciduous or evergreen, pinnate to bipinnate fronds, bearing spores in chain-like lines on the undersides
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming, Spreading branched
FoliageSemi evergreen, Evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in a sheltered position in moist but free draining soil in partial shade. Grown outside in the UK this fern may require some additional winter protection and will benefit from some mulching. For further general information see advice on how to grow ferns.
PruningNo pruning required, but remove any faded fronds as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division or by using plantlets formed on the frond surface.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free