Woodwardia orientalis (Oriental Chain Fern) 9cm pot

If you love ferns with serious architectural presence and a fascinating trick up their sleeve, Woodwardia orientalis is a must-have for the exotic shade garden. This spectacular, large-growing fern produces magnificent, sweeping, leathery fronds that can arch dramatically outwards.

What makes the Oriental Chain Fern truly special is its incredible method of propagation. As the magnificent fronds mature, they produce hundreds of tiny, perfectly formed miniature fern plantlets (bulbils) all along the upper surface of the leaves. It is a fantastic talking point and a brilliant way to multiply your stock once the plant matures.

Growing & Overwintering To get the best out of Woodwardia orientalis, treat it as a woodland understory plant. It thrives in dappled or partial shade, away from harsh winds that can damage the large, elegant fronds.

While it is a robust grower during the summer, it is not fully hardy across most of the UK. In the absolute mildest coastal microclimates, it may survive outside with a heavy winter mulch, but it is best treated as a tender specimen. We highly recommend growing it in a large, decorative container that can be moved into a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or bright cool room over winter to protect it from frosts and freezing wet soil.

Quick Care Guide

• Light: Dappled shade to partial shade. Avoid scorching midday sun.

• Water: Keep consistently moist, especially during the active growing season. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out.

• Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive, humus-rich compost with good drainage.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid seaweed feed occasionally through the spring and summer.

• Hardiness: Tender/Half-Hardy (H3). Requires winter protection from frosts in the UK.

What You Will Receive

You are purchasing a healthy, young starter plant supplied in a 9cm pot. These are fully rooted, actively growing young plants that are ready to be potted on into larger containers to establish and bulk up. Supplying our rare and exotic varieties in 9cm pots allows us to send them safely through the post and offers you a cost-effective way to build your jungle.