Product Description
Dryopteris ludoviciana (3.5-inch pot)
Common Name: Southern Shield Fern, southern woodfern
Large, evergreen fern native to the southeastern United States. It is a stately plant with tall, upright fronds that can reach up to 4 feet in height. The fronds are shiny and leathery, with a dark green color. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but prefer moist, acidic soil in partial to full shade. They are a good choice for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and bog gardens.
- Height: 24-48 Inches
- Spread: 18-24 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 6/7-9
- Part Shade to Shade
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen in colder climates
- Native to zone 8 in lower Southern States
- Found in Louisiana growing on the swamp banks
- Fronds triangular and arching
- Vase shaped clumps creep slowly by rhizomes
- Adapts to dry soil once established
Dryopteris ludovichiana is evergreen to semi-evergreen, evergreen in frost free areas. Triangular fronds are glossy, dark green in maturity. Vase shaped clumps creep and expand slowly by short rhizomes. Thrives in rich, moist, acidic soil in part sun to shade. Southern Shield Fern will grow in average, medium to wet soil. Tolerates drought once established. Use for ground cover, borders, edges, accents, large planting in shade gardens and woodland gardens. Mature height 24"-48", spread 24"-36".
- Plant in moist, acidic soil.
- Provide partial to full shade.
- Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
- Fertilize lightly in spring or fall.
- Divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
- Relatively pest and disease-free. May be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and leaf spot treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Dryopteris ludoviciana is a beautiful and easy-to-grow fern that is a great addition to any garden. With its tall, upright growth habit and shiny, leathery fronds, it is sure to add a touch of elegance to your landscape.
Dryopteris ludoviciana, commonly known as Southern Wood Fern, is a handsome and resilient fern that thrives in shady, moist environments. Here is a closer look at this beautiful native plant:
Appearance:
- Fronds: Southern Wood Fern features tall, upright fronds that can reach 3-4 feet in length. The fronds are dark green, lance-shaped, and leathery, creating a bold and textured presence in the garden. The fronds are evergreen in mild climates, providing year-round interest.
- Growth Habit: This fern grows in a vase-shaped clump, slowly spreading by short rhizomes. It typically reaches 2-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Southern Wood Fern thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a location with dappled sunlight or shade for most of the day.
- Soil: This fern prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate wet soils and even heavy clay, making it a versatile choice for challenging sites.
- Moisture: While it prefers moist soil, Southern Wood Fern can tolerate some dryness once established.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-10, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Special Features:
- Native Plant: As a native plant, Southern Wood Fern supports local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for native insects, birds, and other wildlife.
- Adaptable: This fern is adaptable to various soil conditions, including wet soils and heavy clay.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Southern Wood Fern is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid this fern, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
Uses in the Garden:
- Woodland Gardens: Southern Wood Fern is a natural choice for woodland gardens, where it can thrive in the dappled shade and moist soil.
- Shade Gardens: It can be used to add texture and interest to any shaded garden, whether it is a formal border or a naturalistic setting.
- Bog Gardens: Its tolerance for wet soils makes it a good choice for bog gardens or areas with poor drainage.
- Water Gardens: Southern Wood Fern can also be grown near ponds or streams, where it can tolerate the moist soil conditions.
- Erosion Control: Its spreading habit helps to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.
Tips for Growing Dryopteris ludoviciana:
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall in a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Southern Wood Fern does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and maintain their vigor.
Overall, Dryopteris ludoviciana, or Southern Wood Fern, is a beautiful and resilient fern that adds a touch of elegance and texture to shade gardens. Its adaptability to various soil conditions, low maintenance requirements, and deer resistance make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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Hard to find....
These ferns are great! They arrived in great shape and have done well. Great price! Would highly recommend.
