Fern

Wallich’s Wood Fern

Dryopteris wallichiana

A hardy fern with upright fronds and dark-scaled stems for a lush shaded border.

  • Full shade, Partial shade
  • 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
  • 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
  • H5
  • Semi evergreen

Overview

Fresh spring fronds unfold in a shuttlecock before forming an arching leafy clump. Grow in sheltered shade with humus-rich soil. Established plants tolerate some dry shade but look best with adequate moisture. Frond retention varies with winter weather; tidy damaged growth before spring emergence. Source: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/25903/dryopteris-wallichiana/details

At a Glance

Sun Full shade, Partial shade
Height 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
Spread 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
Hardiness H5
Soil Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Tufted
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -15°C (5°F)
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • North-facing
  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Semi evergreen
Colour Green, Yellow-green
Leaf shape / texture Pinnate frond
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: March–November

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foliage
Propagate
  • Foliage Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Mar Apr Aug Sep

Maintenance Calendar

  • Mar Remove damaged old fronds before new croziers expand
  • Apr Apply leaf mould around the crown without burying it
  • Jul Water new plants and established clumps in prolonged drought

Garden Design

Works well in: Contemporary, Cottage, Tropical, Woodland

Repeat beneath broad-leaved shrubs to create texture. Pondside use is in moist soil above the waterline. Ratings for wildlife, tropical appearance and architecture are editorial estimates on a 1-5 scale. Spacing and care months are UK planning guides; adjust to local conditions.

Companion planting: Fatsias, Tree ferns, Rodgersias

Wildlife Value

  • Shelter

Safety

Ornamental fern; do not eat fronds or fiddleheads. No flowers or fruit are produced. Blank toxicity flags mean unverified, not confirmed safe.