Dryopteris wallichiana (Alpine Wood Fern)
One of the most handsome of ferns available, award-winning Dryopteris wallichiana (Alpine Wood Fern) is a stately semi-evergreen fern forming a tuft of lance-shaped, arching fronds from an erect rhizome. Arising in shuttlecock-like clusters, the fronds are warm butter yellow when they unfurl in spring, in contrast to the blackish-brown scales on the stalk and midrib.
One of the most handsome of ferns available, award-winning Dryopteris wallichiana (Alpine Wood Fern) is a stately semi-evergreen fern forming a tuft of lance-shaped, arching fronds from an erect rhizome. Arising in shuttlecock-like clusters, the fronds are warm butter yellow when they unfurl in spring, in contrast to the blackish-brown scales on the stalk and midrib. Adding beauty and interest to the landscape, they mature to rich green later and often remain green through winter in frost-free areas. After several years, this statuesque fern will have 50-60 fronds. Easily grown, Alpine Wood Fern shows off well against a contrasting rocky background and makes a dramatic statement in a woodland garden or under deciduous trees.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm).
- Performs best in part shade or full shade in moist and well-drained soils. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. Drought tolerant once established.
- This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, or woodland gardens.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Native to India and China.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 10 – 11 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, H1 |
Plant Type | Ferns |
Plant Family | Dryopteris – Ferns |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 36″ – 60″ (90cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |