Also known as Chain Fern · 90 saves
Woodwardia
Woodwardia, the genus most gardeners know as chain fern. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Woodwardia varieties
Browse all 6 Woodwardia varieties →
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 6 most-grown of them.
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 90 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.
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.