Thelypteris palustris
Marsh fern, Eastern marsh fern
Also known as Dryopteris thelypteris
- Height × spread
- 0.6m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A fern with a spreading habit that holds its rather slender fronds erect. The individual pinnae (the clusters of leaves along the stem) are quite widely spaced, coloured rich green. It is generally used as a marginal plant, grown in boggy places or marshes where it will establish itself as interesting ground cover. It is sometimes grown with other plants that enjoy marshy places, such as the beautiful golden globe flowers (trollius forms).
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover
- Deer
- May be damaged by deer when very young
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.