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Herbaceous Perennial

Dryopteris ludoviciana

southern wood fern

An upright, clump-forming, semi-evergreen to evergreen fern with erect to arching, glossy, triangular, mid- to dark green fronds divided into pointed, lance-shaped, deeply lobed leaflets or pinnae.

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen or 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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in reasonably fertile, humus-rich, moist, soil in partial to full shade. Best with protection from strong wind. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

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

Remove any dead or damaged fronds as required.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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