Dryopteris filix-mas 'Decomposita'

RHS Plant Profile
male fern 'Decomposita'

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Ferns Herbaceous Perennial

A deciduous fern with stout erect fronds and broadly lance shaped green leaflets. This cultivar displays more divided foliage than D. felix-mas

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Chalk

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 Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full shade 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
Deciduous
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moist but free draining soils in partial or full shade. Can tolerate sun if soil remains moist. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds in late autumn or before new growth in spring.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free