Woodsia polystichoides

RHS Plant Profile
holly-fern woodsia

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holly-fern woodsia www.gardenworldimages.com
Ferns

a small, long-lived deciduous fern 20-30cm in height, with softly hairy, simply pinnate light green fronds, the pinnae slightly sickle-shaped

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Woodsiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Woodsia are small, tufted deciduous ferns with pinnate or 2-pinnate fronds, and are well-suited to a rock garden
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in very well-drained but moist fertile soil in partial shade. Position crowns above soil level level and surround with small stones

Propagation

Propagate by spores or by division when dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free