Photo: by Thomas Moore ; edited by John Lindley ; nature-printed by Henry Bradbury., Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Fern
Narrow buckler-fern: when and how to prune
Dryopteris carthusiana
Narrow buckler-fern is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Narrow buckler-fern: when to prune it?
In March, before the new fiddleheads unfurl. Otherwise it is not pruned.
What else to prune in those months? March
Narrow buckler-fern: how to prune it?
- Leave the old fronds all winter: they protect the crown and give shelter to small creatures.
- In March cut the brown fronds off just above the ground and leave them as mulch around the plant.
- Fronds that have stayed green through winter can be left until the new fronds are out.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
- Broad buckler-fern
- Male fern
- Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis)
- Scaly male fern
- Shaggy shield fern (Dryopteris cycadina)
Plant profile: Narrow buckler-fern · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.