Gymnocarpium oyamense

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese oak fern
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Ferns

A deciduous fern with long, slender, spreading rhizomes and deeply divided fronds with pale green, scallop-edged segments, the leaf blades held horizontally on wiry, upright stems

Position

Full shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Woodsiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Gymnocarpium are small deciduous ferns with a slender creeping rhizome, and much-divided, triangular to ovate fronds
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in neutral to acid, leafy, moist soil, enriched with garden compost, in deep shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Sow spores at 15°C (59°F) when ripe or divide in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Cut back in autumn as fronds fade

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free