Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Dryopteris x complexa 'Robust'
Buckler Fern
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Height
- 24 to 48 inches
- Width
- 24 to 36 inches
- Flower color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Dark green, ruffled and arching fronds
- Bloom time
- N/A
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove old fronds in early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Provides shelter for small wildlife, supports beneficial insects
About this plant
Dryopteris x complexa 'Robust' is a hardy, semi-evergreen fern known for its lush, bold appearance. Its fronds are finely divided, forming a vase-shaped structure that gives it a dramatic, elegant look in the landscape. The fronds have a leathery texture and have a ruffled appearance that adds depth and interest to shady garden areas. The dense foliage provides year-round texture, as this cultivar holds its greenery through much of the year, only turning brown in colder months.
'Robust' is a hybrid variety that thrives in shaded areas, making it a favorite for woodland gardens and shady borders.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Epimediums · Hostas · Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Lungworts · Wild ginger
Design tip
Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
