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Dryopteris varia

Japanese holly fern

A clump-forming, semi-evergreen fern with triangular shaped fronds, wide at the base and narrowing to the tip. New fronds in spring have a bronze tint to the foliage which turns green-grey as it matures

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Bronze
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Dryopteris can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen ferns, with stout, erect or decumbent rhizomes and shuttlecock-like rosettes of lance-shaped to ovate, pinnately divided fronds

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China to Malesia, Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most moist but free draining soil in shade or partial shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required, but old or faded fronds can be removed as needed

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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