Dryopteris dilatata (3 × 9cm pots)

A semi-evergreen fern with dark green tripinnate fronds. Position: partial to full shade Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Hardiness: fully hardy Native to western and central Europe, the 'broad buckler fern' is a robust semi-evergreen perennial with a rosette of wide-spreading, finely cut fronds with strongly toothed segments. These deep-green fronds are triangular when young, becoming lance-like when mature, with midribs and stalks covered in dark brown scales. Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back decayed fronds in winter to allow new growth to emerge.