perennial

Bisset's Wood Fern

Dryopteris namegatae

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Can be toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Dryopteris bissetiana is a graceful, semi-evergreen to evergreen fern with finely-divided, arching, triangular fronds. New growth in spring is often a lighter, fresh green, maturing to a glossy dark green. Valued for its delicate, lacy texture and its semi-evergreen habit, providing year-round structure and interest in shaded woodland gardens. It forms a dense, tidy clump.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, evergreen foliage that enhances shaded garden areas with year-round interest.

Helps retain soil moisture and prevent erosion in shaded, moist spots.

Supports shade-loving insects and provides habitat for small wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil
Tuck young plants into the ground, ensuring roots are covered
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Water consistently during dry spells, especially in first year
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth

Pro Tip

Maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for best results

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Divide clumps in early spring or fall

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Skip fertilizing during dormant season

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderEvergreen backdrop for shaded gardensMoisture-loving hedge

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Trillium Japanese forest grass Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bisset's Wood Fern questions

What zones can Bisset's Wood Fern grow in?

Bisset's Wood Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bisset's Wood Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Bisset's Wood Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bisset's Wood Fern bloom?

Bisset's Wood Fern typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bisset's Wood Fern need full sun?

Bisset's Wood Fern does best in part shade.