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Woodwardia fimbriata
  • RHS AGM

giant chain fern

an evergreen fern reaching up to 1.5m tall with erect, dark green,lance-shaped, twice-divided fronds

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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
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Blechnaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Woodwardia are robust rhizomatous ferns with deciduous or evergreen, pinnate to bipinnate fronds, bearing spores in chain-like lines on the undersides

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in neutral to acidic, moderately fertile soil with plentiful moisture. In frost prone areas, shelter from cold, drying winds and protect in winter with a dry mulch. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or from spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.