Woodsia
Cliff fern
- Height × spread
- 0.2m – 0.2m × 0.3m – 0.3m
- Position
- Part shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are dainty ferns that may only be 10cm or so in height. The giants are species that reach as much as 40cm in height. They are generally hardy though there are a few tender forms. The hardiest is probably Woodsia ilvensis, and that is hardy in zone 2 taking temperatures down to -40C. They have delicate fronds that appear neat and well ordered, and are charming when grown in rock gardens, or tucked into rocky niches.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.2m – 0.2m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court, Rock garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Apply pebbles as a mulch
Improve drainage around the base or stem of the plant by putting a thick layer of pebbles around it. This makes water drain freely, and pebbles don't readily wash away.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Winter
Winter - late · Planting
Remove baby plants
Remove offsets or small plants around the base of the parent plant while it is dormant. The plants should have developed their own root system. Replant them, or grow them on in a pot.