How big does Wallich's wood fern grow?

About 1 m × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.5 m × 0.6–1.2 m.

What soil does Wallich's wood fern grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is Wallich's wood fern hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves, Nógrád, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg) it may not survive winter without protection.

How much water does Wallich's wood fern need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Wallich's wood fern

Dryopteris wallichiana

Wallich's wood fern (Dryopteris wallichiana) is a perennial that reaches 1 m × 90 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about HUF 1,900.

Illustration of Wallich's wood fern — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A large, shuttlecock-shaped fern whose new fronds unfurl golden green in spring against dark, almost black scales on the stalks and midribs. It likes shade, shelter and humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist but drains well, and it works best as a single specimen because it does not offset or spread. Hot dry summers and hard winters without snow are hard on it, so give it a protected corner and mulch the crown for winter.

Watch out for

Borderline hardy in Central Europe. In mild winters the fronds persist but lie down and look tattered by late winter, and in hard frost the plant dies back completely; in severe winters without snow the crown itself can be damaged, so plant it in a sheltered spot and mulch the crown with leaves in autumn. Cut the tattered fronds off in early spring. It prefers cool summers: fronds scorch in prolonged heat and drought, so water regularly then. No serious pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	1 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.5 m × 0.6–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about HUF 1,900

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 1,900

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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