Dryopteris dilatata 'Lepidota Cristata'

RHS Plant Profile

broad buckler fern 'Lepidota Cristata'

RHS

Synonyms

Dryopteris austriaca 'Lepidota Cristata'
Dryopteris dilatata 'Lepidota'

Ferns

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A semi-evergreen fern forming a rosette of crested, tripinnate, triangular-ovate fronds with narrow segments giving a lacy appearance

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

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

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–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): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Bushy
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

Grow in a moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil in partial shade. Will thrive in full sun if there is moisture at the roots. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Sow spores at 15°C (59°F) as soon as ripe or divide mature plants in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

In spring remove untidy fronds to encourage new growth

Pests

Generally pest-free, but moth larvae may feed on spores

Diseases

Generally disease-free