Fern

Dryopteris wallichiana

H&S 90 x 75

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A tough, hardy fern that is native to the Himalayas. In spring, Wallich's wood fern produces bright green, shuttlecock-like fronds on upright, hairy stems, up to 90cm high. Less fine in appearance than many other ferns, it nonetheless makes a dramatic statement in a woodland garden or under deciduous trees. Once established, it will even grow in dry shade. When the leaves die back, the space can be filled with early-flowering snowdrops.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles of garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back dead fronds in winter.