Dryopteris championii

Dryopteris championii – Champion's Wood Fern

Dryopteris championii is an elegant evergreen fern, prized for its glossy, deep green, triangular fronds that form an attractive, upright to arching clump. In late spring, fresh apple-green fronds emerge covered in delicate silvery hairs, gradually maturing to rich, lustrous green, while reddish-brown scales along the stems add further interest.

Growing approximately 60–90cm tall and 60–90cm wide, this hardy fern thrives in partial to full shade in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, tolerating occasional dryness once established.

An excellent choice for woodland gardens, shady borders, fern collections and planting beneath trees and shrubs, Dryopteris championii provides handsome architectural foliage throughout the year, retaining its attractive form even during winter.

Image- Public domain