Dryopteris wallichiana

Description

Dryopteris wallichiana – Wallich’s wood fern

Botanical name: Dryopteris wallichiana
Common names: Wallich’s wood fern, alpine wood fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Semi-evergreen fern
Habit: Large, clump-forming, upright shuttlecock
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 90–150cm tall × 75cm spread
Foliage: Large, upright golden-green fronds with strikingly dark, near-black scaly stems and midribs; semi-evergreen
Flowers: None — ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to the Himalaya and eastern Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Dryopteris wallichiana, Wallich’s wood fern, is a magnificent large fern forming an upright shuttlecock of golden-green fronds set off by dramatic near-black scaly stems. Architectural and imposing in shade.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the most magnificent of all hardy ferns, Wallich’s wood fern forms a bold, upright shuttlecock of fronds that unfurl golden-green in spring, dramatically set against very dark, almost black, scaly stems and midribs. Large, architectural and near-evergreen, it is a real specimen plant for a moist, shaded position.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Work in leaf mould or compost to hold moisture, and space according to the ultimate size, generally about 45–60cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty or frost-burnt fronds in early spring before the new growth unfurls. No feeding is usually needed beyond an annual mulch.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
• Spores: Can be raised from spores sown on moist, sterile compost, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust. Slugs and snails may graze the soft young fronds as they unfurl in spring, and fronds can scorch in dry or exposed positions. Moist soil and shelter keep it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Superb as a specimen or focal point in shady and woodland borders, in large shaded gardens and beside water, where its size and dark-stemmed fronds command attention

Wildlife value

The fronds and crown provide cover and shelter for small invertebrates through the year.

Toxicity & safety

Ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, though as with all ornamental plants they are not intended for eating.

GardenAdvice tip

Wallichiana is a showstopper — give it room and a prime spot in a shady border where its big golden-green shuttlecock and dramatic black stems can be a real focal point. The unfurling spring fronds, dark-scaled and glowing, are one of the great sights of the fern garden, so site it where you’ll enjoy them close up. Keep it moist and sheltered for the most luxuriant growth.

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