Wilford's Cup Fern
Dennstaedtia wilfordii
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Dennstaedtia wilfordii is a graceful, deciduous fern with finely-dissected, lacy, light green fronds. It forms elegant, arching clumps. This fern is valued for its delicate, airy texture, which adds a soft look to shaded borders and woodland gardens. It is less aggressive than its relative, the Hay-scented Fern.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores into moist, shaded soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist and shaded during growth.
- Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity.
- Transplant when established, about 6 weeks after spores sprout.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Maintain high humidity and keep soil moist for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist.
- Place in shaded or partially shaded areas.
- Mulch to retain soil moisture.
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight 🌞
- Do not let soil dry out completely ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Wilford's Cup Fern questions
What zones can Wilford's Cup Fern grow in?
Wilford's Cup Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Wilford's Cup Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Wilford's Cup Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Wilford's Cup Fern bloom?
Wilford's Cup Fern typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Wilford's Cup Fern need full sun?
Wilford's Cup Fern does best in part shade.
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Grow Wilford's Cup Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
