Overview
Woodwardia radicans is a fern in the genus Woodwardia, part of the Blechnaceae family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Woodwardia radicans grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and moist borders. It is native to Macaronesia and Mediterranean.
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
In the garden
Woodwardia radicans is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae native to Macaronesia and the Mediterranean. At roughly 1.8 m tall it provides a strong vertical element in dark, damp parts of the garden and is best treated as a plant for shaded, moisture-retentive situations. Plant it in partial shade to full shade on sandy, loamy or clay soils that remain moist to wet or are at least moist but well drained. Choose a sheltered position: the plant has an H4 rating (average hardiness), so it will tolerate ordinary UK winters where it is protected from exposure and cold drying winds. Soils that hold moisture yet avoid permanent waterlogging suit it best. Use Woodwardia radicans at the back of moist borders, in a woodland garden or alongside streams and damp paths where it can occupy a taller layer. Allow for its 1.8 m height when siting so it does not overshadow lower herbaceous plants or paths, and choose a sheltered, consistently damp spot for reliable performance.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Woodwardia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Woodwardia radicans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Shade garden, Woodland garden, Moist borders
- Native to
- Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Woodwardia radicans
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct sunlight and dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring or spore propagation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Woodwardia radicans?
Prefers sheltered, shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct sunlight and dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Woodwardia radicans?
Woodwardia radicans prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Woodwardia radicans need?
Woodwardia radicans is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Woodwardia radicans?
Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage new growth.
How big does Woodwardia radicans grow?
Woodwardia radicans reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Woodwardia radicans hardy in the UK?
Woodwardia radicans has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Woodwardia radicans?
Division of rhizomes in spring or spore propagation.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
