Dryopteris carthusiana

RHS Plant Profile

narrow buckler fern

Other common names

buckler fern, fancy fern

Synonyms

Dryopteris spinulosa

Ferns

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A semi-evergreen clump-forming fern with highly dissected and finely toothed foliage creating a lacy appearance.

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: Yes
Foliage: Semi 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: N Temperate

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moist but free draining soil in a sheltered shaded or semi shaded location. 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 in late autumn or early spring before new growth emerges.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free