Dryopteris atrata (Shaggy Shield Fern) – Hardy Fern (Set of 3 or 6)

Glossy dark green fronds with almost black scales up the stems, giving a shaded border real presence.

Dryopteris atrata is a low fuss fern that thrives in sheltered, shady spots where many plants struggle. It builds into a graceful shuttlecock clump of arching fronds and keeps its foliage through most of the year, so the structure is there in winter as well as summer.

It is well suited to the British climate and works in a woodland garden, a shaded border, under trees and shrubs or in a large patio container. Water it through its first season and mulch in spring; after that it needs very little.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Shield fern, shaggy shield fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 45cm to 60cm tall by 45cm to 60cm wide
• Growth Habit: Clump forming shuttlecock with arching fronds
• Perfect For: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, underplanting and containers
• Foliage: Glossy dark green fronds with dark brown to black scales on the stems
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind in soil that stays moist. Grows well in a container.
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich soil that drains freely. Dig in leaf mould or garden compost when planting.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection.
• Maintenance: Low. Cut away old or tired fronds in early spring before the new ones unfurl, and mulch in spring to hold moisture in.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
• Type: Hardy evergreen to semi-evergreen fern