Dryopteris × complexa ‘Robust’

A hybrid fern of British garden origin, this selection can form a very tall specimen in a rich, moist setting. Plants make strong clumps of large dark-green fronds, which arch gracefully under their own weight. Bold enough to use as a specimen, but also combines well with large Hosta and other shade lovers. Semi-evergreen in mild winter regions, but the old fronds should be trimmed off in spring. Mulch around the plants with dead leaves in the fall, to help conserve moisture in summer.