Crested wood fern
Dryopteris cristata · Dryopteridaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant crested wood fern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Type
- Perennial fern
- Foliage
- Deciduous (disappears in winter)
- Mature size
- 60 to 90 cm tall
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America)
- Soil type
- Moist, rich in organic matter, well-draining
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), especially during dry spells. In autumn and winter, reduce watering once the foliage has disappeared. A humid atmosphere is appreciated: mist lightly if possible.
Light
Prefer partial shade to full shade. Dryopteris cristata dislikes direct sunlight which dries out its delicate foliage. A bright spot without direct sun, under tree cover or at the back of a shaded bed, is ideal.
Soil
Enrich the soil with compost or peat before planting to increase its organic matter content. Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot. A slightly acidic pH is preferable.
Pruning and cleanup
No formal pruning is necessary. In late winter, before new fronds emerge, remove dead or damaged foliage from the previous year. This action encourages healthy growth in spring.
Fertilizer
An annual application of well-decomposed compost in early spring is plenty. Ferns are not heavy feeders; excessive fertilizer can weaken them. Avoid concentrated chemical fertilizers.
Diseases and pests
Generally very hardy and rarely susceptible to diseases. Monitor excessive moisture which could promote fungal rot. Scale insects and spider mites are exceptional. Good drainage and adequate ventilation prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Dryopteris cristata owes its Latin name 'cristata' to its elegantly 'crested' fronds, as the pinnules (small leaf divisions) overlap in a very regular and geometric pattern, creating a design reminiscent of a crest or lace. This fern long fascinated Victorian botanists and collectors who selected various ornamental forms during the 19th century.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Scaly Male FernDryopteris affinis
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- Sword fernPolystichum munitum
- Autumn fernDryopteris erythrosora
- Japanese holly fernCyrtomium falcatum
- Asian netvein hollyfernCyrtomium fortunei
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.