Woodwardia unigemmata
jewelled chain fern
strong-growing, evergreen fern with arching, bipinnately-divided fronds to 1.5m long, bearing bulbils on the underside towards the tips. Young fronds emerge red, fading to rusty brown then turning green
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Blechnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Woodwardia are robust rhizomatous ferns with deciduous or evergreen, pinnate to bipinnate fronds, bearing spores in chain-like lines on the undersides
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in neutral, moderately fertile, damp soil in partial shade; in frost prone areas shelter from cold, drying winds and protect in winter with a dry mulch
Propagation
Propagate by spores; sow spores at 16°C in late summer or early autumn. Remove bulbils in autumn or divide in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Cut down old fronds when they deteriorate
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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