Dryopteris Wallichiana

Dryopteris Wallichiana is commonly known as Mr Wallich's Fern or Wallich's Wood Fern. This eye-catching fern is a native of Hawaii where it grows at altitude in tropical rain forests. Dryopteris Wallichiana is a hardy semi-evergreen fern which boasts beautiful bright green fronds with black stems and brown and black bristly hairs. This fern is also known as Laukahi by the ancient Hawaiians – its fronds were used for medicinal purposes. Mr Wallich’s Fern is a recipient of the valued Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, a sure sign that it will perform well in most gardens.

Height and Spread of Dryopteris Wallichiana
A compact, tuft-forming fern variety, Wallich's Wood Fern will grow to be between 50 centimetres and 1 metre, both in height and in spread.

How Hardy is Dryopteris Wallichiana
This semi-evergreen fern is hardy throughout the United Kingdom even in severe winters, and can withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

How To Use Dryopteris Wallichiana
Keeping in mind that Mr Wallich’s Fern thrives in cool and shaded parts of the garden, it makes an ideal candidate for underplanting trees and larger shrubs. This resembles its natural surroundings as ferns are mostly woodland plants. Similarly, this highly decorative fern is a great choice for parts of the garden that have little to no sun, as it will add interest to all those dark and gloomy corners. Ferns are genrally considered among the best plants for a North Facing Wall.

How To Care For Dryopteris Wallichiana
Easy to grow and to care for, ferns do not need much to thrive. Wallich's Wood Fern prefers a moist shaded site and will adapt to a wide range of soil types. It even grows well in chalky and clay soils. When grown outdoors, Dryopteris Wallichiana is considered pest and disease free, as well as drought tolerant (once established).