 |
Over the years I have grown a couple of Woodwardia species, and they have always been interesting, so I was happy enough to run into this one at a show.
From Bhutan, it also has potential to be a giant, but it is slightly tender. The coppery new growth was a good enough reason to pot it up and grow it in the greenhouse
for a bit, until I can see what it is going to do. I have found it interesting, but it is very long and lax, with nothing of the poise I usually associate with ferns. It may improve as it matures. Now planted outside in a moist spot under some trees to give it overhead protection. Tim Pyner says: "This is similar to ... [W. radicans]... in overall appearance but the fronds are relatively narrow with more widely spaced pinnae. A large colony of this magnificent fern can create an awesome spectacle in spring and summer when a mass of intensely coloured young fronds are unfurling. In the best forms they are a bright red but can vary from orange through to burgundy. As the fronds mature they fade to green but new fronds usually emerge throughout the growing season giving a long period of colour. Woodwardia unigemmata occurs naturally over a vast area of east Asia, from India through China to Japan and Taiwan. It has been introduced to cultivation many times from different localities, resulting in variation in frond form and colour intensity. Additionally, several different clones with undulate fronds are in cultivation. There is also some variation in cold hardiness. However, most clones seem to be significantly hardier than W. radicans and are undamaged at -10degC (H4) and some can survive lower temperatures. Woodwardia unigemmata has become popular and widespread in cultivation in the last 40 years. It is now much more frequently planted than W. radicans. The superior hardiness and colourful new growth combine to make this fern an ideal subject for gardeners who require a feature plant that is both spectacular and easy to maintain." I bought it from Aberconwy nursery and their label says: "Choice, rare and beautiful fern from Bhutan for a warm site in humus rich soil in shade, or conservatory. Huge arching fronds unfurl rich red and mature to an attractive bright green. 2m plus. Hardier than W. radicans, this has survived happily outdoors for us for five years now." |
|
| 3rd June 2007 | ||
