Dryopteris
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Wood Fern, this genus of ferns needs partial to full shade and regular water to perform well. It is one of the largest genus of ferns and contains over 100 species that hail from all over the world. They are wonderful for shaded and woodland-style gardens, and contrast well with other foliage.
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Dryopteris Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Dryopteris vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Dryopteris affinis (Golden Male Fern) This species grows well in zones 3b-9 and 14-24, and is native to Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a semi-evergreen species that reaches 3-5 feet tall and just as wide. Fronds are finely cut are chartreuse when new, maturing to dark green. Varieties include 'Cristata' (also called 'Cristata The King', a more compact fern with 3-foot arching fronds that have crested tips), and 'Crispa Gracilis' (with evergreen fronds, this variety reaches just 6-12 inches tall). |
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Dryopteris carthusiana (Dryopteris spinulosa) (Narrow Buckler Fern, Shield Fern) This species is deciduous and grows well in zones A2, 1-9, and 14-17 and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Clumps reach 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with coarsely cut, yellow-green fronds. Shaggy black scales cover the undersides of fronds on the lower part of the midrib. This fern can tolerate boggy conditions. |
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Dryopteris x complexa 'Robust' This species is semi-evergreen and does well in zones 3b-9 and 14-17. It is sometimes sold under the name Dryopteris filix-mas 'Undulata Robusta', and has 3-4 foot long dark green, deeply lobed fronds with undulating edges. Vigorous fern that is easy to grow. |
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Dryopteris dilatata (Dryopteris austriaca) (Broad Buckler Fern) This species is usually deciduous and grows well in zones 2-7 and 14-17. It is native to western and central Europe, and grows quickly to 3-4 feet tall and just as wide. Fronds are triangular, and stalks and midribs are covered in brown scales. Varieties include 'Lepidota Cristata' (to 2 feet tall with narrower fronds) and 'Crispa Whiteside' (with wavy, golden-green leaves). |
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Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) This semi-evergreen species is native to China and Japan, and has an erect habit to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. It has seasonal color variation, emerging copper, pink, and yellow in spring, maturing to green, and turning rusty brown in fall. Spores are bright red and are an attractive wintertime sight. Variety 'Brilliance' has bright copper-red new growth. |
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Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern) This species is normally evergreen, though is sometimes deciduous (this depends on the climate it is grown in). It is best in zones 2-9 and 14-17 and is native to many areas in the Northern Hemisphere. It reaches 2-5 feet tall and wide, with finely cut, medium-green fronds that reach a foot wide. Can tolerate drought if grown in full shade. Varieties include 'Linearis Polydactyla' (2.5 feet tall, easy to grow, and spreading fingerlike frond tips), and 'Crispa Cristata' (with splitting, twisting fronds that give the plant a frilly look). |
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Dryopteris wallichiana (Wallich's Wood Fern) This semi-evergreen species does well in zones 4-6, 14-17 and H1, and is native to India and China. It reaches 3-5 feet tall and a little less wide. New fronds are golden-green and turn dark green as they mature. Stems are brown with shiny black scales. This species is slow-growing. |
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Caring for dicksonia
Grow in soil that is rich soil amended with plenty of organic material. They can tolerate dry conditions as long as they're in the shade. These ferns are great choices for beginner fern gardeners.
Some cultivars of Dryopteris wallichiana will make miniature replicas on the fronds of plants, called bulbils, that can be rooted easily in the right conditions.
Some cultivars of Dryopteris wallichiana will make miniature replicas on the fronds of plants, called bulbils, that can be rooted easily in the right conditions.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 293, Dryopteris (Wood Fern)
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