Dryopteris atrata

This fern, which we’ve grown for years on our Thurning ground, is a really reliable choice for adding structure to a shady spot. Its most distinctive feature is the contrast between the dark, scaly black stems and the bright, fresh green of the arching fronds. It forms a graceful, shuttlecock-like clump that looks great all season.

Dryopteris atrata is a semi-evergreen fern, reaching a height and spread of about a metre. It has a moderate growth rate and prefers a spot in light to deep shade. Plant it in moist, humus-rich soil that is well-drained; it doesn’t like to dry out completely, especially when getting established.

It’s a low-maintenance plant that we find does very well in containers as well as in the ground. To keep it looking its best, simply remove any dead or damaged fronds in early spring before the new growth appears. This allows the fresh, new fronds to unfurl cleanly.