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Dryopteris marginalis

evergreen wood fern

A clump-forming, evergreen fern with upright to arching, broadly ovate to triangular, grey-green fronds with deeply lobed, lance-shaped leaflets or pinnae

Other common names
leather wood fern
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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
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
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
North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers a reasonably fertile, humus-rich, moist but well drained, neutral to acid soil in partial to full shade. Best with protection from strong wind. See how to grow ferns for further advice

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 damaged or old fronds in spring if required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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