Dryopteris wallichiana

Dryopteris wallichiana

Why Buy Me?

• Ideal for a shaded spot
• Use in a Woodland themed garden
• East to grow, requires little maintenance

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers partial to full shade. Ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders. Tolerates some early morning or late afternoon sun if the soil remains consistently moist.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Performs best in loamy or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid waterlogged or very dry soils—improve heavy clay with organic matter like compost or leaf mould.

Exposure:
Suited for sheltered locations, protected from cold winds that may damage the emerging fronds. Fully hardy in the UK, withstanding temperatures down to -15°C or lower.

Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate. Requires regular moisture, especially in summer. More drought-tolerant once established, particularly in shaded areas, but prolonged dryness can cause browning.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or early autumn when the soil is moist and mild. This allows roots to establish well before hot or cold weather sets in.

Spacing:
Space plants 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) apart. Mature plants grow up to 90–120 cm (3–4 feet) tall and wide, forming an elegant, upright vase-shaped clump.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly, particularly during dry spells. Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, or mulch with compost to enrich the soil naturally and retain moisture.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring with compost or leaf mould to nourish the soil and suppress weeds. In late winter or early spring, remove old or damaged fronds to allow new growth to emerge cleanly.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Lift mature clumps and divide at the root to create new plants. Can also be grown from spores, though this method is slower.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Striking blackish stems (stipes) appear first, followed by emerging fronds that unfurl in a dramatic, coiled fashion. Provides early structure and interest in the shaded garden.

Summer:
Fronds fully expand into large, arching, bright green foliage held on contrasting dark stems. Adds strong architectural form and vibrant texture to shady areas.

Autumn:
Foliage remains attractive into autumn. In milder regions, fronds may persist well into the season, turning bronze before dying back.

Winter:
Semi-evergreen. In mild UK winters, many fronds remain standing, though they may become ragged. In colder areas, the plant may go dormant and lose most of its foliage.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Offers habitat and cover for insects and other small garden fauna. Dense foliage provides good ground-level shelter in shaded, moist areas.

Garden Use:
Excellent for woodland gardens, shady borders, underplanting larger shrubs or trees, or as a dramatic specimen in a shaded courtyard. Works well in combination with other bold-textured or dark-stemmed plants.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with Hostas, Brunnera, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, Astilbe, and other moisture-loving, shade-tolerant perennials. Also complements fine-textured ferns or early spring bulbs like Corydalis and Erythronium.

Transform your home and garden with the Dryopteris wallichiana , 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.