Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Fern
Wallich’s wood fern (Dryopteris wallichiana): when and how to prune
Dryopteris wallichiana
Wallich’s wood fern (Dryopteris wallichiana) is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Wallich’s wood fern (Dryopteris wallichiana): when to prune it?
In March, before the new croziers unfurl. Otherwise this fern needs no pruning.
What else to prune in those months? March
Wallich’s wood fern (Dryopteris wallichiana): how to prune it?
- Cut the old, brown fronds off just above the crown.
- If some fronds are still green after a mild winter, you can cut those off too, so the new fronds show off well.
- Work carefully around the thick, scaly croziers in the centre: they are the new fronds.
- Snapped or damaged fronds can be removed now and then during the summer.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Do not damage the crown when tidying: this fern usually has just one crown, and damaged croziers will not grow into proper fronds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
- Broad buckler-fern
- Male fern
- Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis)
- Narrow buckler-fern
- Scaly male fern
Plant profile: Wallich’s wood fern (Dryopteris wallichiana) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.