Dryopteris ludoviciana
southern wood fern
An upright, clump-forming, semi-evergreen to evergreen fern with erect to arching, glossy, triangular, mid- to dark green fronds divided into pointed, lance-shaped, deeply lobed leaflets or pinnae.
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen or Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Dryopteris can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen ferns, with stout, erect or decumbent rhizomes and shuttlecock-like rosettes of lance-shaped to ovate, pinnately divided fronds
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in reasonably fertile, humus-rich, moist, soil in partial to full shade. Best with protection from strong wind. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns
Propagation
Propagate by division or spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove any dead or damaged fronds as required.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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