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Wood Fern
Wood Fern
Wood Fern
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Wood Fern

5.0/5 1 review
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 3-8

Size: 3 gallon
$60

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Water
When the top 1" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate growth rate. Reaches 1–3 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide at maturity.
Botanical name
Dryopteris
Hardiness
Zones 3-8
Tolerates
Cold hardyHumidity tolerant
USDA zone map for Wood Fern

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

5.0
out of 5 · 1 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

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Ask us anything before or after planting.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Partial Shade, Full Shade

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 1" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 3-8

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

Planting instructions
Plant Wood Fern in rich, well-draining soil in a spot that receives partial to full shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and slightly deeper, then set the plant so the crown sits level with the soil surface. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost, then water thoroughly to settle the roots. Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment.
Watering & sunlight
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Water 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during dry or hot periods. Avoid letting the soil fully dry out. Wood Fern grows best in partial to full shade, thriving in cool, filtered light. It naturally flourishes in woodland environments where sunlight is soft and indirect.
Care guide

PRUNING:
Remove old, damaged, or brown fronds at the base to encourage fresh growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new fronds unfurl.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring, or top-dress with compost to enrich the soil naturally. Avoid excessive feeding, as ferns perform best in organic-rich soil rather than high-nutrient spikes. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Wood Fern is naturally cold-hardy, but adding a layer of mulch around the base helps protect the crown and roots during extreme freezes. Avoid cutting back fronds until late winter, as they provide insulation during colder months.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Wood Fern get?
Wood Fern typically reaches 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide at maturity, making it a perfect choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and moisture-rich areas.
How fast does Wood Fern grow?
Wood Fern grows at a moderate rate, filling in nicely over a few seasons when planted in consistently moist, shaded conditions.
Does Wood Fern stay green year-round?
Wood Fern is deciduous, meaning it dies back in winter and sends up fresh new fronds each spring. Brown or collapsed fronds in fall and winter are completely normal.
What type of sunlight does Wood Fern need?
Wood Fern thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers soft, filtered light similar to woodland environments.
How often should I water a Wood Fern?
Keep the soil consistently moist. Water when the top 1–2 inches begin to dry, especially during hot or dry periods.
Is Wood Fern deer-resistant?
Wood Fern is generally considered deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with browsing wildlife.
Can Wood Fern grow indoors?
Wood Fern is best suited for outdoor shaded environments. It does not adapt well to indoor conditions long-term due to its need for cool, humid air and naturally filtered light.
What type of soil does Wood Fern prefer?
Wood Fern grows best in rich, well-drained, consistently moist soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or leaf mold.
How do I prune a Wood Fern?
Prune by removing brown, damaged, or old fronds at the base. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Is Wood Fern safe for pets?
Wood Fern is generally considered non-toxic, but it’s still best to keep pets from chewing on the fronds to protect both the plant and the pet.
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