Wallich’s Wood Fern

A striking, handsome fern from the Himalayas, Dryopteris wallichiana is a tall, vigorous, clump-forming, semi-evergreen fern with an elegant, upright, ‘shuttlecock’ habit. The young fronds emerge bright yellowish-green, contrasting well with the dark brown, scaly stems and mid-ribs, and then turn a good mid-green. Though not as delicate-looking as some ferns, Wallich’s wood fern works wonderfully well as a statement plant at the back of a shady border or in woodland, having an architectural quality which draws the eye. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soils: humus-rich, acid to neutral soil
Position: Partial shade, full shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Hardy
Height to 4’ (1.2m) Spread to 1’6” (75cm)