Dryopteris wallichiana

Overview & Features

• Dryopteris wallichiana, commonly known as Wallich’s Wood Fern, is a bold, semi-evergreen fern with an upright, architectural habit.

• Features large, glossy dark green fronds with contrasting dark stems covered in golden-brown scales.

• Forms impressive clumps that can reach 90–120 cm in height in ideal conditions.

• Adds strong texture and vertical interest to shaded gardens.

• Excellent for woodland planting, shaded borders, and underplanting trees or shrubs.

• Provides year-round structure in milder climates.

• Combines well with hostas, astilbes, and other shade-loving perennials.

This fern is valued for its dramatic foliage and robust garden presence.

Planting & Positioning

• Plant in partial shade or full shade for best results.

• Tolerates some morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sunlight.

• Prefers fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

• Improve soil with compost or leaf mould before planting.

• Avoid dry, exposed, or windy sites.

• Dig a hole slightly wider and the same depth as the pot.

• Position the crown level with the soil surface.

• Backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly after planting.

• Space plants 60–90 cm apart to allow for mature spread.

Dryopteris wallichiana thrives in sheltered, shaded positions with consistent moisture.

Watering, Feeding & Flowering

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots.

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.

• Avoid waterlogging, particularly in winter months.

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy frond growth.

• Alternatively, mulch annually with compost or well-rotted leaf mould.

• As a fern, it does not produce flowers; ornamental interest comes from its bold foliage.

Consistent moisture and organic-rich soil support lush, healthy growth.

Pruning, Maintenance & General Care

• Remove old or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

• Cut back winter-worn foliage to ground level to make way for fresh fronds.

• Divide large clumps in spring if plants become overcrowded.

• Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture and improve soil structure.

• Protect from prolonged drought and strong winds.

• Generally low maintenance and pest resistant in suitable conditions.

• Semi-evergreen foliage may persist through mild winters.

With shade, moisture-retentive soil, and annual tidying, Dryopteris wallichiana will provide bold structure and elegant texture year after year.

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.