Also known as Chain Fern · 73 gardener saves
Woodwardia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Woodwardia, the genus most gardeners know as chain fern. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Woodwardia varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedVirginia Chain Fern
Woodwardia virginica
#2 most savedNetted Chain Fern
Woodwardia areolata
#3 most savedOriental Woodwardia Fern
Woodwardia orientalis 'Mama Mia'
Oriental Woodwardia Fern
Woodwardia orientalis 'Crispa'
Oriental Chain Fern
Woodwardia orientalis
Oriental Chain Fern
Woodwardia orientalis 'formosana'
How to grow Woodwardia
What the Woodwardia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Woodwardia year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Remove old, damaged, or brown fronds before new growth begins
- MulchMarch and April83% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture
- DivideMarch and April83% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 4-5 years to rejuvenate
- PlantMarch and September33% of varieties
Plant in spring after frost danger or in early fall
- PropagateAugust33% of varieties
Remove and plant the small plantlets (bulbils) found on the fronds
Do
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Maintain consistent moisture 🌱
- Provide partial shade
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
Avoid
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Over-fertilize, which can cause fronds to burn
- Neglect mulching and watering
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 | Irregular holes in fronds | Use organic slug bait or handpick |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning fronds | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| 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 6 distinct Woodwardia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 73 real gardener saves — 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.
When does Woodwardia bloom?
Most Woodwardia varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
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.
Keep exploring
Woodwardia shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Woodwardia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
