Western Wood Fern The King Fern
Dryopteris affinis 'The King'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
24 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
Prefers high humidity environments
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Dryopteris affinis 'The King' is a robust, evergreen fern featuring dark green, pinnate fronds with a graceful arching habit, creating a dense, lush foliage display suitable for shaded gardens. This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly vigorous growth and its ability to maintain vibrant foliage throughout the year, adding structural interest to woodland garden settings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into prepared soil in early spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle roots.
- Maintain consistently moist, well-drained soil for best growth.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune dead or damaged fronds in late winter for tidy appearance.
Pro Tip
Keep soil consistently moist and provide filtered shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
- Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Avoid heavy, poorly draining soil
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
Western Wood Fern The King Fern questions
What zones can Western Wood Fern The King Fern grow in?
Western Wood Fern The King 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 Western Wood Fern The King Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Western Wood Fern The King Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Western Wood Fern The King Fern bloom?
Western Wood Fern The King 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 Western Wood Fern The King Fern need full sun?
Western Wood Fern The King 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
Goldie's Wood Fern
Dryopteris goldieana
Wallich's Wood Fern
Dryopteris wallichiana 'Tucumanji'
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Grow Western Wood Fern The King 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.
