Buy common rasp-fern Doodia media: Delivery by Waitrose Garden

Doodia media

common rasp-fern

common rasp-fern

Position: partial shade to full shade
Soil: moist, but well-drained humus-rich soil
Rate of growth: average
Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)

In spring, the new fronds emerge with a bronze flush, but as they age they turn dark green and develop a leathery texture. The colour of the stem is attractive too, being a bright red initially, but losing its intensity over time. This evergreen fern will slowly spread to form a good-sized clump, so makes excellent groundcover in a woodland garden.
Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back decayed fronds in winter to allow new growth to emerge.