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Dryopteris filix-mas 'Grandiceps Wills'

male fern 'Grandiceps Wills'

A robust semi-evergreen fern forming a mass of rosettes of arching, lance-shaped, bipinnatifid fronds with large branched terminal crests and small crests at the tips of the pinnae

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to the UK
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 moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade with shelter; tolerant of more sun and wind than other species. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free but moth larvae may feed on spores

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