Dryopteris ‘Shield Fern’ — Hardy Deciduous Fern, 13cm Pot (Set of 3 or 6)
Dryopteris ‘Shield Fern’ — Hardy Deciduous Fern, 13cm Pot (Set of 3 or 6)
Dryopteris ‘Shield Fern’ — a hardy herbaceous perennial with mid to dark green divided fronds. Supplied as a set of 3 or 6 well-rooted plants in 13cm pots, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.
At a glance
- Type: Hardy Deciduous Fern
- Mature size: 60–90cm × 60cm
- Position: Partial to Full Shade
- Attracts: Shelter for wildlife
- Supplied as: Set of 3 or 6 plants in 13cm pots
The detail
Dryopteris ‘Shield Fern’ is vase-shaped clump with arching fronds, bronze new growth in spring, settles happily into woodland gardens, shaded borders, north-facing planting, ferneries.
Why ours
Grown by us in Yorkshire, in peat-free compost, shipped in plastic-free packaging. Every plant arrives strong, well-rooted and ready to thrive — not weeks of waiting before it gets going. Each order includes access to our free care app with planting and seasonal care reminders.
How to grow
| Botanical name | Dryopteris atrata 'Shield Fern', Polystichum Braunii ' Brauns Holly Fern', Dryopteris Filix-Mas 'Male Fern' |
| Mature size | 60–90cm × 60cm |
| Growth habit | Vase-shaped clump with arching fronds |
| Position | Partial to Full Shade |
| Soil | Moist, humus-rich, well-drained |
| Watering | Regular; keep consistently moist |
| Hardiness | Fully Hardy |
| Attracts | Shelter for wildlife |
| Best for | Woodland gardens, shaded borders, north-facing planting, ferneries |
Frequently asked
Will it come back next year?
Yes — Dryopteris ‘Shield Fern’ is a hardy deciduous fern. It will return reliably each year, growing stronger as it establishes.
Will it cope with a shady spot?
Yes — Dryopteris ‘Shield Fern’ prefers partial to full shade, which makes it a good choice for less sunny parts of the garden.
What size pot does it arrive in?
Sets are supplied as 3 or 6 individual plants in 13cm pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out.