Doodia media
Common rasp fern
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.5m
- Position
- Part shade
- 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
This has rather stiff fronds that are held both upright and angled. They are somewhat ladder-like in their effect though the pinnae are 'just' held alternately. The tip of each frond is long and thin, distinctly tail-like in effect and can look almost prehistoric. This fern produces scarlet tints on its young growth if it is grown in sunlight, otherwise, it's just plain old green. The 'sori' little dots that are a component of the ferns' reproductive system are often visible, and were named by the New Zealand Maori as 'Gooseflesh'. This enjoys a moist to damp position, though the soil must drain freely. It is happiest in acid soil. It will need protection from cold and unpleasant conditions in winter in most parts of the country.
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Shady court, Rock garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade, likes light shade, tolerates dense shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- 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 - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.