Dryopteris wallichiana - Wood Fern

Dryopteris wallichiana, sometimes called the Golden Scaled Fern, is a large semi-evergreen species that possesses the nobility and majesty of exceptional plants. In spring, the magical sight of its golden-brown croziers unfolding almost nakedly gives way in summer to the splendor of its ample, feathery fronds, a light and acidic green contrasting with a large, scaly, black central vein. In the manner of tree ferns, it forms a relatively short basal trunk as it ages. It is relatively easy to cultivate in partial shade, in any cool and well-drained soil, but it will truly shine in a rich and deep, highly humus-rich soil. It will make a great impact in an exotic bed or in a large container.

Dryopteris wallichiana is part of a vast group of plants called the dryopteris ferns, all of which are deciduous or semi-evergreen terrestrial species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Wallich's Dryopteris is native to eastern Asia, specifically Nepal, Burma, China, Pakistan, and southern Japan. Depending on their geographic origin, Dryopteris wallichiana plants exhibit variable characteristics in terms of color and shape of the pinnae. An adult plant will form a clump measuring 1 to 1.50 metres (3 to 5 feet) in height and 80cm (32in) in width. Growing from an ascending rhizome, it develops a stipe (small trunk) measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in height, covered with narrow, mahogany to black scales. Its fronds emerge from the stipe, initially appearing as soft, scaly, light brown croziers. Each crozier unfurls, spreading its pointed and upward-curving pinnae, transitioning from a nearly yellow green in spring to a medium green in summer. The upper side of the frond is slightly darker than the lower side, a light green color. The rachis (the "spine" of the frond) and veins are covered with very dark brown to black scales. The fronds can reach a length of 1 to 1.50 metres (3 to 5 feet) and a width of 30cm (12in), and can persist if the winter is not too severe.

Among the ferns of the temperate zones of the world, the male fern is certainly the most widespread and, it must be said, one of the easiest to grow. It comes in various forms, sometimes deciduous, sometimes evergreen, but always interesting. Dryopteris wallichiana is an ideal plant for quickly filling out a brand new garden. It can be paired with Helxine, Eucomis, hostas, hydrangeas, and shrubby fuchsias, always in filtered light or shade. We have planted it in our exotic garden where it does not go unnoticed. Its large light green feathers will emerge from the shade in a somewhat neglected corner of the terrace if it is planted in a very large container filled with fertile soil.