Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Dryopteris commixta is a deciduous fern characterized by its arching, lush green fronds and delicate, finely divided leaflets, creating an elegant, woodland-like appearance. This species is valued for its vibrant autumn foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden areas.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
- Tuck fern spores or young plants into prepared soil.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity, taking about 2 weeks.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist, especially in dry seasons.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.
Pro Tip
Maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for lush growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist with regular watering 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds 🌱
- Prune dead fronds to encourage new growth 🌱
- Provide shade during hot summer days 🌱
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers ❌
- Avoid compacting soil around roots ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| 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
Mixed Wood Fern questions
What zones can Mixed Wood Fern grow in?
Mixed Wood Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mixed Wood Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Mixed Wood Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mixed Wood Fern bloom?
Mixed Wood Fern typically blooms in early spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mixed Wood Fern need full sun?
Mixed Wood Fern does best in part shade.
More Dryopteris to compare
Broad Buckler-fern
Dryopteris dilatata 'Jimmy Dyce'
Log Fern
Dryopteris x celsa 'Shreveport'
Autumn Fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
Shaggy Shield Fern
Dryopteris cycadina
Western Wood Fern The King Fern
Dryopteris affinis 'The King'
Goldie's Wood Fern
Dryopteris goldieana
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mixed Wood 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.
