The King Fern
Dryopteris
dry-OP-ter-iss
Perennials: Fern
Zone
3: -40° to -30°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Habit
Clump-Forming
Height
3–4 ft
Spread
3–4 ft
Form
Plume
Characteristics
Type
Cultivar
Safety
Non-toxic
Growth Rate
Slow
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy
Attracts
Doesn't Attract Beneficials
Uses/Placement
Woodland
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Shade: 3-4 hrs
Soil Texture
Adaptable
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Average to Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
Low pH may cause nutrient toxicity
Soil Amendment(s)
Organic Matter Recommended
Fertilizer
Minimal Fertilizer Needed
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Bloom
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Moderate
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Slow Spreader
Propagation Method
Wind Pollinated
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring Division