About
A large, scrambling, semi-evergreen shrub or sub-shrub from California with broadly ovate, heart-shaped (cordifolia), bright green leaves and long, loose racemes of tubular, red-orange flowers in late spring and summer. A striking and colourful climber for a warm, sunny wall or fence in a mild garden.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens
Native toSE Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in neutral, moderately fertile, damp soil in partial shade; in frost prone areas shelter from cold, drying winds and protect in winter with a dry mulch
PruningCut down old fronds when they deteriorate
PropagationPropagate by spores; sow spores at 16°C in late summer or early autumn. Remove bulbils in autumn or divide in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free