Origin and Common Names
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry, also known as Leeds' wood fern, is a hybrid fern that originates from North America. It was first discovered in the early 1900s and named after the American botanist, John William Harshberger Leeds Jr.
General Appearance
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry is an evergreen fern with a height of up to 3 feet and a spread of up to 2 feet. The fronds of this fern are lance-shaped and grow in a vase-like pattern, arching out from the center. Each frond is a rich shade of green and has a slightly waxy texture. The underside of each frond is covered in tiny, rusty-brown spores, which give it a slightly golden appearance.
Uses
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry is a popular ornamental fern, commonly used in landscaping and gardening. Due to its attractive appearance and hardiness, it is often planted in shady areas such as under trees or in woodland gardens. This fern also makes an excellent addition to mixed border plantings, providing a lush, green background to bright flowers and other foliage.
Growth Conditions of Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry
Light
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry requires partial to full shade to grow optimally. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause the plant to wither. The plant can tolerate moderate shade but may produce fewer fronds and have a thinner foliage.Temperature
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry is between 13°C to 24°C. The plant cannot tolerate extreme heat and freezing temperatures. It is hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8.Soil requirements
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry grows well in moist, well-draining, and acidic soil. The soil pH should range from 5.0 to 6.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil and requires good aeration. Adding organic matter and mulching the soil around the plant can help to conserve moisture and nutrients.Watering
The plant requires consistent moisture to grow well. It should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.Fertilizer
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry does not have high fertilizer requirements. It will benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring and mid-summer. Avoid applying too much nitrogen, which can promote vegetative growth at the expense of frond development.Propagation
The plant can be propagated through spores or division in the spring or fall. Spores should be sown in a mix of peat moss and sand and kept moist until they germinate. The plant can also be divided by carefully separating the rhizomes and replanting them in pots or ground.Cultivation Methods
The Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry, commonly known as Leeds wood fern, is a very hardy and easy to grow plant. It thrives in a wide range of soil types as long as it is well-drained and rich in organic matter. This fern likes to grow in a shaded or partial shaded area.
You can propagate Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry through spores and division. In the spring or summer, you can divide the plant by digging up the clumps and separating them into smaller sections. Replant the sections in a new location and keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
Watering Needs
The Leeds wood fern requires a consistent supply of moisture, but it should not be overwatered. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but never waterlogged. You should water the plant deeply, and allow the soil to dry a bit in between waterings. Watering early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended so that the plant can absorb the water well.
Fertilization
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Do not fertilize the plant during its dormancy period.
Pruning
Regular pruning is not necessary for Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and prevent overgrowth. Prune back the dead or damaged fronds with sterilized garden scissors or pruners. Trim the plant back to ground level or as low as you can to prevent any risk of fungal growth or disease.
Propagation of Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry, commonly known as Leeds' wood fern, is a deciduous hybrid fern that is a cross between Dryopteris carthusiana and Dryopteris cristata. It is an attractive garden plant that can be propagated through several methods, including:
1. Spores
Propagation of Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry through spores is a time-consuming process, but it is the most rewarding as you get to see the plant grow from scratch. Spores are produced in the fertile fronds, which are the fronds that bear the spores. It’s important to keep the soil moist and humidity high to ensure that the spores germinate. Once the spores have germinated and the fern is large enough to handle, it can be transplanted to a pot or directly into the garden.
2. Division
Division is the most common method of propagation for Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry. It involves dividing the plant into smaller portions by carefully separating the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has enough roots to survive. The best time to divide ferns is in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Once the division is complete, the new plants can be transplanted to a pot or directly into the garden.
3. Cuttings
Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in the spring or early summer when the fronds are still tender. These cuttings should be planted in a pot filled with a soil mixture of peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. After about six weeks, the new plant should be well established and can be transplanted directly into the garden.
Propagation of Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry is an enjoyable process that can be easily accomplished by following one or more of these methods.
Disease Management
The Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry plant is known to be susceptible to several diseases. These diseases may cause damage to the leaves of the plant, affecting its overall growth and health. Here are some common diseases that may affect the Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry plant:
- Rust: A fungal disease that causes orange or brownish colored spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the plant.
- Leaf spot: A bacterial or fungal disease that causes dark spots or lesions on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide or bactericide to the plant.
- Verticillium wilt: A fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and die. This disease can also affect the stem and roots of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the plant.
- Botrytis blight: A fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to turn brown and eventually die. This disease is often caused by humid conditions and poor air circulation. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove any infected plant parts and improve the air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
The Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry plant is also susceptible to several pests. These pests may cause damage to the leaves of the plant, affecting its overall growth and health. Here are some common pests that may affect the Dryopteris ×leedsii Wherry plant:
- Aphids: Small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to curl and wilt. To manage this pest, it is advisable to spray the plant with a solution of water and soap.
- Mites: Tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To manage this pest, it is advisable to apply an insecticidal soap or oil to the plant.
- Slugs and snails: Pests that can eat holes in the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, it is advisable to remove any hiding places and to apply a slug and snail bait to the soil around the plant.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of various moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, it is advisable to remove any infected plant parts and to apply a biological control or insecticide to the plant.
