Woodwardia prolifera
A clump-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen fern with fronds that can reach up to 2m long on mature specimens and the frond leaflets (pinnae) are characteristically narrow. The young fronds vary in colour, sometimes green but often very intensely coloured carmine or orange. In late summer and early autumn small plantlets can often be seen on the mature frond upper surfaces.
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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–drainedpH
Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Orange Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Blechnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen or Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in a sheltered position in moist but free draining soil in partial shade. Grown outside in the UK this fern may require some additional winter protection and will benefit from some mulching. For further general information see advice on how to grow ferns.
Propagation
Propagate by division or by using plantlets formed on the frond surface.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required, but remove any faded fronds as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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