Thelypteris palustris

RHS Plant Profile

marsh fern

Other common names

ground fern, marsh buckler fern

Synonyms

Dryopteris thelypteris
Aspidium thelypteris

Ferns

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A deciduous fern with light green upright fronds reaching around 50cm. Fronds are finely divided and are often slightly curved or twisted.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

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

Clay Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH: Neutral or Acid

Position

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): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Thelypteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming, Spreading branched
Genus: A small genus of around one or two species of deciduous, rhizomatous 'maiden ferns' with bright green, divided and sometimes curled or twisted fronds
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moist soils in partial shade. See advice profile on 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
Ground cover
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free