Dryopteris kuratae - Wood Fern

Dryopteris kuratae is a very rare fern native to East Asia that will delight collectors. It is a medium-sized species, semi-evergreen in winter, rather hardy, characterized by black-scaled croziers and bright acid green young pinnate fronds. It is relatively easy to cultivate in partial shade or shade, in moist and humus-rich soil. This beautiful fern will make a great impact in an exotic bed or in a pot on a shaded terrace.

Dryopteris kuratae belongs to a large group of plants called Dryopteris ferns, which are all deciduous or semi-evergreen terrestrial species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Dryopteris kuratae is still relatively unknown in Europe and is officially marketed in 2021 only in the United Kingdom by the Bluebell Arboretum. An adult plant will form a clump with a spreading habit, reaching approximately 70cm (28in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width. Its young shoots have the appearance of black-scaled and soft croziers. Each crozier unfolds, spreading its toothed and undulate pinnae, changing from almost yellow-green in spring to medium green in summer. The upper side of the frond is slightly glossy. The rachis (the 'neck' of the frond) and the veins are covered with very dark brown to black scales. The fronds can persist if the winter is not too harsh.

Among ferns of the temperate zones of the world, the Dryopteris fern is certainly the most widespread and, it must be said, one of the easiest to grow. Dryopteris come in various forms, sometimes deciduous, sometimes evergreen, but always interesting. Dryopteris kuratae is a plant to discover in our damp and shady gardens. It can be associated with mind-your-own-business, Eucomis, hostas, hydrangeas, and shrubby fuchsias, always in filtered light or shade. Its beautiful light green fronds will emerge from the shade in a somewhat neglected corner of the terrace if planted in a large pot filled with fertile soil.