Dryopteris cycadina
Shaggy wood fern, Black wood fern, Shaggy shield fern
Also known as Dryopteris hirtipes, Dryopteris atrata
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.8m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A characterful fern that makes a good sized vase-shaped plant. The individual fronds are long with paired, rather chunky pinnae (the individual clusters of leaves on the frond). The pair of pinnae at the frond base point backwards! Each frond has a dark central rib that gives it definition. A fine plant for rich soil in a shady position.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.8m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant
- Walls
- North, East facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Found in
More Dryopteris
Dryopteris
Wood fern, Buckler fern
Dryopteris affinis
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Group'
Curled golden-scaled male fern, Wood fern, Buckler fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Angustata'
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern, King of the male fern, Crested golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'
King of the male fern, Crested golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Pinderi'
Pinder's golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Polydactyla Dadds'
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern