Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Partial Shade (3-4 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 4-5 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Clumping
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Dixie Wood Fern
- Also Known As
- Dixie Wood Fern
- Botanical Name
- Dryopteris x australis - Dixie Wood
- Plant Type
- Perennial
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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.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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