Dryopteris remota
Overview
Uses: Shaded gardens, woodland borders, naturalized plantings, and moist, well-drained areas with rich soil.
Benefits: Graceful upright fern with finely divided, slightly arching fronds that create lush texture in shady spaces. Exceptionally hardy and low maintenance once established.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 – 8
Sun: Partial to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Perennial fern
Mature Height: ~18" – 24"
Mature Width: ~18" – 24"
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
The Remote Wood Fern (Dryopteris remota) brings a calm, woodland elegance to shaded landscapes. With finely cut, rich green fronds that arch gently outward, this fern forms a soft vase shape that blends beautifully with hostas, heucheras, and shade-loving perennials. Its tidy clumping habit and year-round presence make it an ideal background or filler plant in mixed borders and woodland beds.
Native to cool, shaded forests of Europe, it thrives in humus-rich, moist soils but adapts well to typical garden conditions when given consistent moisture. Perfect for naturalized shade gardens and underplantings where quiet texture and easy care are appreciated.
Care
Remote Wood Fern Care
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and dry summer periods. Mulching around the crown helps retain moisture and protect roots through seasonal temperature swings.
Little maintenance is required beyond removing old or tattered fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, particularly during heat waves.
Feed once per year in early spring with a balanced slow release fertilizer to encourage lush, healthy foliage growth.
Size
Size of Remote Wood Fern for Sale Online
Our ferns ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are appropriately sized for their containers. For current pot sizes and availability, please contact us.
Size of Remote Wood Fern When Mature
Expect a clumping fern approximately 18" – 24" tall and wide under average garden conditions, forming a graceful, arching mound of fine-textured fronds.
Additional Information
Is Remote Wood Fern evergreen?
Typically semi-evergreen in mild climates; in colder regions, fronds may die back and re-emerge in spring.
What is another name for Remote Wood Fern?
Also known as the Scaly Buckler Fern, referring to the delicate brown scales that line its stipes (fern stems).
Does it spread or stay clumping?
Dryopteris remota forms neat clumps rather than running rhizomes, making it ideal for controlled plantings and companion use with other shade plants.
Is Remote Wood Fern deer resistant?
Yes—like most ferns, it is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits due to its fibrous foliage.
What plants pair well with Remote Wood Fern?
Excellent companions include hosta, tiarella, heuchera, brunnera, and Japanese forest grass. It also contrasts beautifully with broadleaf evergreens or stone textures in shaded designs.
Can Remote Wood Fern handle dry shade?
It prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate brief dry periods once established, provided it’s sheltered from harsh sun and wind.
