Dryopteris coreanomontana - Wood Fern

Dryopteris coreanomontana is a fern native to Japan, Korea, and China. It is a deciduous and hardy species, of medium size, with triangular fronds that are slightly arched, shiny, and light in colour. They unfurl early in spring in a lovely anise green, bright in the understorey. Throughout the season, this colour darkens to a medium green. It is a vigorous and undemanding species, tolerating occasional dry soil. It is quite easy to grow in partial shade or shade, in moist and humus-rich soil. This beautiful fern adds delicate texture to the edge of a mass of foliage of different colours, planted en masse or in a pot on a shaded terrace.

Dryopteris coreanomontana is part of a large group of plants called Dryopteris ferns, all of which are deciduous or semi-evergreen terrestrial species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Dryopteris coreanomontana forms a clump with a habit of about 60cm (24in) in height and 60cm (24in) in spread. Its croziers unfurl early in spring, displaying their toothed and undulate pinnae, transitioning from a vibrant anise green in spring to a medium green in summer. The upper side of the frond is slightly glossy. The fronds are deciduous, drying out in autumn, but the fern is hardy.

Among ferns from temperate regions of the world, the Dryopteris fern is certainly the most widespread and, it must be said, one of the easiest to grow. Dryopteris comes in various forms, sometimes deciduous, sometimes evergreen, but always interesting. Dryopteris coreanomontana is a plant to discover in our cool and shady gardens. It can be associated with Soleirolia, hostas, hydrangeas, and bushy fuchsias, always in dappled light, protected from direct sunlight. Its beautiful light green fronds will emerge from the shade in a slightly neglected corner of the terrace if planted in a large pot filled with fertile soil.