Clinton's wood fern
Dryopteris clintoniana
Overview
Clinton's wood fern is a beautiful, hardy North American native. It's an evergreen, spreading fern with glossy, bright green fronds. The texture of it is unique, waxy and delicate with fronds that can reach over two feet in length. It can tolerate most soil types and lots of sun, but prefers moist, well-drained sites. It will spread slowly, so it's not as invasive as some other ferns. Its ease of care and elegant fronds make it an ideal plant for adding a tropical touch to any landscape.
Care Guide
Watering
Clinton's wood fern should be watered once a week, supplying enough water to keep the top 2 inches of soil moist. During particularly dry periods, it may need to be watered more often in order to keep the soil from drying out completely. If you are not sure whether the soil is dry or not, the easiest way to check is to stick your finger into the soil - if it feels dry up to the knuckle, it's time to water. When watering, make sure to evenly moisten the soil to prevent overwatering or underwatering any specific area.
Light
Clinton's wood fern requires moderate amounts of sunlight and prefers indirect light. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight each day, but should be placed in a location with bright, indirect light for most of the day. During the spring and summer growing season, the fern should receive up to 5 hours of sunlight each day. In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it does not need any direct sunlight. To keep the fern healthy, it should be located in a spot that gets early morning sun, and shaded in the afternoon.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3-8.
Pruning
Clinton's wood fern should be pruned in late spring or early summer to maintain its pleasing shape. The amount of pruning needed depends on the size and condition of the fern. If the plant has become overly large or unruly, prune back up to 1-third of the total fronds. If the overall shape is pleasing, remove only dead or damaged fronds. Pruning should be done carefully and sparingly. Removing too much foliage can weaken the plant and encourage pest and disease problems.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Spore Propagation, Layering Propagation
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