wood fern
Dryopteris sieboldii
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Arching
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
Garden uses
Notes
Wood fern (Dryopteris sieboldii) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland settings, accents, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, loamy or clay soil. It grows slowly into an arching clump that reaches 12 to 36 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Give it time and room to fill out.
Pairs well with Lady fern, Little brown jug, White bigleaf hydrangea, and Sedge.
Native range
Africa, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.