Dryopteris filix-mas

Dryopteris filix-mas

Why Buy Me?

• Easy to grow
• Great for shade
• Helps to create a woodland themed garden

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers partial to full shade. Thrives in woodland settings or shady garden corners. Can tolerate some sun if soil is consistently moist, but full shade offers the best foliage quality and longevity.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Grows best in loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid dry or compacted soils. Enrich with organic matter such as compost or leaf mould.

Exposure:
Suitable for sheltered and partially exposed sites. Hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7), tolerating temperatures down to -20°C or lower. Protect from cold, drying winds to prevent frond damage.

Drought Tolerance:
Low. Requires regular moisture during the growing season. While established plants can tolerate short dry spells, prolonged drought causes fronds to brown and die back early.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in early spring or autumn when the soil is moist and workable. This timing supports good root establishment before extreme weather.

Spacing:
Space 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) apart. Dryopteris filix-mas can grow up to 90–120 cm (36–48 inches) in height and spread, forming a dense, upright clump of arching fronds.

Watering & Fertilization:
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water during dry periods. Feed in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer or mulch with well-rotted compost to support growth.

Mulching & Pruning:
Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture and improve soil fertility. In late winter or early spring, remove old or damaged fronds before new ones emerge. Cutting back helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages fresh growth.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in early spring or autumn. Lift and divide large clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth. Can also be grown from spores, but division is faster and more reliable.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Fresh, bright green fronds unfurl in a characteristic coiled shape (fiddleheads), adding texture and vibrant foliage early in the season.

Summer:
Fronds mature into a dense, upright clump, providing strong architectural interest and lush greenery in shaded areas.

Autumn:
Foliage remains attractive into autumn but may begin to fade or collapse in cooler weather. Older fronds turn bronze or brown before dying back.

Winter:
Deciduous. Loses its fronds in late autumn or early winter. Dormant until new growth re-emerges in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Provides habitat and cover for small garden wildlife and insects. Fern clumps offer shelter and nesting material for ground-dwelling invertebrates.

Garden Use:
Ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, underplanting trees or shrubs, and alongside moist paths or streams. Adds bold texture and structure to shade plantings.

Companion Plants:
Combines well with other shade-lovers like Hostas, Brunnera, Pulmonaria, Heucheras, Astilbes, and Wood Anemones. Contrasts beautifully with fine-textured ferns or plants with colourful foliage and spring bulbs.

Transform your home and garden with the Dryopteris filix-mas , a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.