Dryopteris intermedia

RHS Plant Profile
fancy fern

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Other common names

intermediate wood fern

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, evergreen fern with upright to arching, triangular fronds divided into lance-shaped, toothed, mid-green leaflets or pinnae. The underside of mature fronds are often covered in fine hairs.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
NE USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in a moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full or partial shade with shelter from strong winds. Mulch soils to help maintain moisture levels. 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