Wood Fern

About this plant

Elevate your woodland garden with the timeless grace of Dryopteris marginalis, commonly known as the Wood Fern. Its arching fronds unfurl in a vibrant, deep green, forming an attractive, upright clump that provides essential texture and verdant appeal even through the colder months. Renowned for its remarkable hardiness and adaptability, this native perennial thrives in the challenges of a shaded landscape, creating a lush, serene atmosphere. Its architectural form and persistent foliage make it an ideal choice for naturalized settings, shaded borders, or as a striking accent under larger trees and shrubs. Beyond its aesthetic charm, the Wood Fern is a low-maintenance superstar, requiring minimal intervention once established. It's a fantastic option for adding evergreen structure and a touch of wild elegance to any discerning gardener's collection.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average to moist, well-draining soil. Provide a generous layer of mulch to help retain moisture and protect roots. Fertilize sparingly in spring with an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer if desired. Remove any damaged or yellowed fronds as needed to maintain a tidy appearance. Generally pest and disease free.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.