Dryopteris wallichiana Jurassic Gold (Alpine Wood Fern)

Noted for its excellent spring foliage color, Dryopteris wallichiana Jurassic Gold (Alpine Wood Fern) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen fern forming a compact tuft of lance-shaped fronds from an erect rhizome. Arising in shuttlecock-like clusters, the fronds are golden orange when they unfurl in spring, fading to bright golden-yellow and green as the season progresses. Adding beauty and interest to the landscape, they often persist in frost-free areas. Easy to grow, Jurassic Gold brightens up shaded places in the garden or on the terrace.

Noted for its excellent spring foliage color, Dryopteris wallichiana Jurassic Gold (Alpine Wood Fern) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen fern forming a compact tuft of lance-shaped fronds from an erect rhizome. Arising in shuttlecock-like clusters, the fronds are golden orange when they unfurl in spring, fading to bright golden-yellow and green as the season progresses. Adding beauty and interest to the landscape, they often persist in frost-free areas. Easy to grow, Jurassic Gold brightens up shaded places in the garden or on the terrace.

  • Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 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 patio containers.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
  • Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
  • Dryopteris wallichiana is native to India and China.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

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 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″ (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage