Dixie Wood Fern is a naturally occurring, semi-fertile hybrid between Southern US natives Dryopteris celsa and Dryopteris ludoviciana. Because of these large Wood fern parents, Dixie Wood Fern can grow to be a magnificent 4-5 feet in height under suitable conditions! It is semi-evergreen and strongly clump-forming. They are more adaptable to drier conditions and summer heat than our more Northern species of Wood Ferns, but still would prefer an organically rich, moist soil in the shade. These ferns have an erect, vase-like shape with a fine texture like that of Goldie's Fern and they make a stunning specimen in the landscape.Sources:
Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
NC State Extension
USDA Plants Database
The Morton Arboretum-Black Walnut Toxicity
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Dryopteris x australis (Dixie Wood Fern) - 2 gal
Dixie Wood Fern
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.