Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Woodwardia unigemmata
Jeweled Chain Fern
- Family
- Blechnaceae
- Height
- 2 to 4 ft
- Width
- 4 to 8 ft
- Flower color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Evergreen, arching fronds that emerge vivid red, and gradually mature to rich deep green
- Bloom time
- Not applicable
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate to high
- Maintenance
- Low, remove old fronds in late winter or early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Provides excellent ground-level cover and cool, moist microhabitat for amphibians, invertebrates, and other small wildlife
About this plant
Woodwardia unigemmata is an evergreen fern with long, arching, finely divided fronds. New fronds emerge a rich red, age through rusty tones, and finally mature to glossy green. The fronds can grow to impressive length and often drape over banks, rocks, or the edges of shaded borders, giving a lush, cascading presence in woodland or moist garden settings.
Native to moist, mountainous regions of Asia, Woodwardia unigemmata is adapted to high rainfall and shelter. Its reproductive season runs from summer into early autumn, when rows of sori develop on the undersides of mature fronds and small bulbils form near the tips, allowing it to slowly extend into graceful colonies.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Rain 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. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Heronswood.
