- Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Goldy’s Wood Fern is excellent for the damp, shady garden. The color of this Giant Wood Fern is actually dark green, although younger growth is edged in a lighter, almost golden green. Dryopteris goldiana is native to the Eastern half of North America and is very easy to care for. The large fronds are stout and stand upright, making them stand out against other shady garden plants.
Goldy’s Wood Fern is a moderate grower, often used to naturalize a woodland garden, or more formally grown in containers with other architectural shade lovers such as hostas and Solomon’s Seal. Ferns are very hardy and have no diseases or pests that bother them. Deer and rabbits do not browse these prehistoric plants. Goldy’s Wood Fern is deciduous and will die back in the fall but return in the spring with showy fiddleheads unfurling into fronds.
Goldy’s Wood Fern Care
Plant Giant Wood Fern in a partial to fully shaded position that has well-draining, rich soil. Mulching with 2-3 inches of organic compost or shredded leaves will provide nutrients for the growing season. Goldy’s accepts any soil texture if the pH is neutral to acidic. Water Wood Ferns consistently so the soil feels like a wrung-out sponge.
Ferns require little maintenance and can be left to grow naturally over the summer. Cleaning up the fronds in the fall as they turn yellow and die back is advised if there are any pests or diseases in the garden bed. Otherwise, the fronds can be left to insulate the growing crowns and provide shelter for local wildlife over the winter. In the spring, remove any dead plant material as the new fronds emerge. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the fern. Extra fertilizing is not required for ferns.
Goldy’s Wood Fern Spacing
As its name implies, Giant Wood Fern grows large and can reach a mature height of 5 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet. Space each fern 30 inches apart on the center when planting multiples.
Goldy’s Wood Fern Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
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, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Groundcovers |
Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Goldy's Wood Fern |
Other Name(s): Goldies Woodfern |
Scientific Name: Dryopteris goldiana |
- SKU:
- 1231007002-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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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.