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.
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!
Product Videos
Custom Field
Product Reviews
1 Review Hide Reviews Show Reviews
-
Hard to find....
These ferns are great! They arrived in great shape and have done well. Great price! Would highly recommend.
