- Partial Shade (3 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 5 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
The Dixie Wood Fern is a dense, shade-loving perennial that is a favorite with many gardeners. The feathery fronds feature a central midrib and smaller segments or pinnae covered in delicate leaflets. Also known as Dryopteris x australis, this fern is a bold green that will brighten up an outdoor space. The Dixie Wood Fern is a typical fern in terms of care, but in some instances, it can step outside what is expected of ferns, making it a versatile landscape plant or a good option for gardeners who do not have a space conducive to most ferns.
Plant this fern in a bed or border where it will add height near the back of a planting. It is a natural fit for a woodland space. The large fronds can conceal a foundation wall or green up a shady corner of a yard. The Dixie Wood Fern is a native plant, so it thrives with minimal care once acclimated. Grow this semi-evergreen beauty as a perennial in USDA zones 5 through 8.
Dixie Wood Fern Care
This fern has medium to high water needs, so keep the soil consistently moist. The soil should be acidic and rich to support new growth. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to feed the plant and retain moisture. The Dixie Wood Fern does very well in the shade but can handle sunnier positions. Plants grown in the sun need water more often, while plants in the shade can dry out more.
This beauty is a heavy feeder, so apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. The delicate fronds are prone to fungus, so target water to the root zone and keep the foliage dry as much as possible.
Dixie Wood Fern Spacing
This sizable fern will reach 4 to 5 feet tall and grow 2 to 3 feet wide. The gently arching fronds have an upright growth habit, so space plants 4 feet apart to create a full and dense planting.
Dixie Wood Fern Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade (3 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 5 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Clumping |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: N/A |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting |
Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Dixie Wood Fern |
Other Name(s): Dixie Wood Fern |
Scientific Name: Dryopteris x australis - Dixie Wood |
- SKU:
- 1231002350-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
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Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.