Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Dryopteris wallichiana
Alpine Wood Fern
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Dryopteris wallichiana, the alpine wood fern, forms an upright shuttlecock of broad divided fronds, bright yellow-green when young and carried on dark, almost black-scaled stems and midribs. The contrast between fresh foliage and dark scaling gives it a particularly handsome spring appearance. It prefers cool, sheltered shade and moist but well-drained soil.
✅ Dark-scaled stems contrast strongly with fresh green fronds
✅ Upright shuttlecock habit gives excellent woodland structure
✅ Hardy and generally low maintenance in cool shade
Plant Details
Size
- Max Height
- 0.5 m — 1.0 m
- Max Spread
- 0.5 m — 1.0 m
- Growth Habit
- Forms dense upright tufts or clusters of leaves and stems.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Shade Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−15 to −10 °C) Cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Flower Borders
- Underplanting
- Merits
-
- Generally disease-free
- Generally pest-free
- Low Maintenance
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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Best Hydrangeas for Small Gardens
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