Description

This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.

Position: partial shade
Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
Rate of growth: average
Hardiness: fully hardy

A native, male fern found naturally in moist woodlands around the UK. This large, deciduous fern has feathery, green fronds which form a distinctive, shuttlecock shape and turn coppery in autumn. It makes a fine companion for shade-loving woodland plants, especially other ferns, and when its leaves die back, the space can be filled with early flowering spring bulbs such as snowdrops.

Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back dead fronds in winter.

Eventual height: 1m
Eventual spread: 1m