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

Woodwardia radicans is a tall fern reaching about 1.8 m, suited to shaded, moisture-retentive sites. It prefers partial shade to full shade and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils that are moist or wet. Plant in a sheltered spot and allow space for its height when placing it in woodland, shade gardens or moist borders.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Woodwardia radicans

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