Dryopteris Cycadina

Dryopteris Cycadina is a neat rosette-type fern that is also known as the Shaggy Shield Fern or the Blackwood Fern. An attractive low growing deciduous or semi-evergreen fern (depending on the climate), the Shaggy Shield Fern has a shuttlecock shape and originates from China and Japan. It has lovely light green fronds with stems peppered with tiny black scales. Dropteris Cycadina grows as a medium size clump with an arching habit. Dryopteris Cycadina is the recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, a sure sign it performs well in most gardens.

Height and Spread of Dryopteris Cycadina
Compact and low growing, Shaggy Shield Fern grows to be between 50 centimetres and 1 metre tall and wide.

How Hardy is Dryopteris Cycadina
The Blackwood Fern is hardy throughout most of the United Kingdom. It will withstand temperatures up to -10 degrees Celsius and tolerate frost and snow. If grown outdoors, Dryopteris Cycadina is considered generally pest and disease free.

How To Use Dryopteris Cycadina
Shade-loving, Shaggy Shield Fern is a great choice for underplanting trees and shrubs. This beautiful little fern is perfect for a shady spot and looks particularly attractive when underplanted with Japanese Acers. As these ferns grow in woodland settings they also work so well when planted with other varieties of ferns beneath taller trees in a sheltered area.

How To Care For Dryopteris Cycadina
Like most ferns, the Shaggy Shield fern prefers cool and moist conditions. Choose partial shade or full shade, and grow in any well-drained fertile soil. While shady spots are a preference for this lovely fern, it can also be grown in spots in the garden where there is a bit more sun, as long as it is copiously watered and has plenty of moisture.