Dryopteris sieboldii - Japanese Fern

Dryopteris sieboldii, also known as the Japanese Wood Fern, is a botanical species with an exotic appearance, yet hardy and relatively easy to cultivate in the humus of the understory. The plant, which slowly spreads as ground cover through its rhizomes, forms beautifully spreading clumps, with a lovely light green colour, composed of large fronds divided into wide, leathery and toothed leaflets that remain green when the winter is not too severe. A truly unique perennial plant, perfect for creating an exotic setting or enhancing a shady spot.

Dryopteris sieboldii belongs to the family of Dryopteridaceae. This species is native to subtropical regions of China and Japan where it can be found in montane understories, often in dry soil. It has excellent cold resistance, down to -20°C in dry soil. In wetter areas, this fern is more sensitive to cold. The plant, perennial from its stump, has a very slow growth, and produces trailing underground rhizomes. Eventually, its vegetation reaches about 50-60cm (20-24in) in height and 1m (3ft) in spread. From the stump emerge fronds carried by a long rachis and divided into 5 to 9 very large pinnae, with a thick and leathery texture, gracefully undulated and toothed margins. Each pinna is almost the size and shape of a frond from Asplenium scolopendrium. The largest ones reach 25cm (10in) in length and 6cm (2in) in width. This foliage, of a bright light green, arranged almost horizontally, is quite charming.

Among ferns from temperate zones around the world, the male fern is certainly the most widespread and, it must be said, one of the easiest to cultivate. They come in various forms, sometimes deciduous, sometimes evergreen, but always interesting. A star of botanical gardens, this Dryopteris sieboldii was highly popular in the 19th century as a plant for cold greenhouses or winter gardens. This truly unique fern still enjoys the favor of enthusiasts who also plant it in their gardens. It is a plant that requires a period of rest in winter. Easy to cultivate, it mainly fears scorching summers and intense sunlight. To accompany it, consider, for example, Brunneras, Solomon's Seals, ferns for dry soil...