Also known as Chain Fern · 96 saves
Woodwardia
Woodwardia, the genus most gardeners know as chain fern. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Woodwardia varieties
Browse all 7 Woodwardia varieties →
2 species of Woodwardia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Woodwardia in Sow
Save the Woodwardia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Woodwardia
Whats common across all Woodwardia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Woodwardia year
- Spring CleanupMarch and April100% of varieties
Cut back old, tattered, or frost-damaged fronds near the crown as new fiddleheads begin to uncurl.
- MulchApril and May86% of varieties
Apply a fresh layer of organic compost or leaf mold around the base to retain moisture.
- DivideApril and May71% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 4-5 years to rejuvenate
- PropagateSeptember43% of varieties
Divide established multi-crowned rhizome clumps carefully during early spring growth.
Do
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Keep soil consistently moist to wet, ensuring it never dries out completely.
- Apply a light top-dressing of organic compost or leaf mold around the base in spring.
- Provide shelter from harsh, desiccating winds to protect the large fronds.
Avoid
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Do not allow the soil to dry out, which triggers rapid scorching and wilting.
- Avoid planting in stagnant, poorly drained waterlogged muck that lacks oxygen.
What goes wrong with Woodwardia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted fronds | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes chewed in young, emerging fronds and fiddleheads. | Hand-pick pests at night or apply iron phosphate baits around the base of the plant. |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in fronds | Use organic slug bait or handpick |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing fronds and a decaying, mushy rhizome caused by stagnant, poorly drained soil. | Ensure soil is rich in organic matter to maintain drainage and avoid stagnant, waterlogged conditions. |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown patches on fronds | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Woodwardia
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring.
- Gently separate into smaller sections with roots attached.
- Plant divisions into moist, shaded soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
Spores
- Collect spores in late fall.
- Sow spores on moist, acidic soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks.
- Maintain shaded environment during germination.
Woodwardia questions
How many types of Woodwardia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Woodwardia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 96 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Woodwardia grow in?
Across its varieties, Woodwardia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
Which Woodwardia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.