GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Dryopteris affinis

Dryopteris affinis · Fern

Hardiness
H5 Hardy in cold winters (RHS profile linked: −15 to −10°C)
Position
Partial shade
Height × Spread
60–160 cm × 30–40 cm
Soil
Moist but well-drained; moisture retentive; tolerates dry soils in shade once established; Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand; Acid or Alkaline or Neutral pH
Toxicity
Not assessed; do not assume safe for people or pets.

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🌱 Sow
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower

Watch out for

Slugs and snails: Use copper tape barriers, hand-pick at night, or apply iron phosphate pellets.

Vine weevil: Apply systemic insecticide granules to the compost in autumn and spring.

Fern rust: Remove affected fronds and improve air circulation; usually cosmetic.

Root rot: Ensure well-drained planting sites and avoid overwatering in winter.

Desiccation: Mulch heavily with organic matter to retain moisture around the crown.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/dryopteris-affinis© GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia