How to prune dryopteris dilatata

Late winter to early spring, before new fronds emerge. Cut old evergreen fronds at their base in late winter. Wear gloves — frond stipes can be slightly rough. Remove only dead or very battered growth; healthy older fronds can stay through winter.

Once annually in late winter. Dryopteris dilatata (broad buckler fern) is a robust, largely evergreen fern needing minimal pruning. Remove the oldest, most tattered fronds in late winter before new croziers unfurl. This tidies the plant and lets light reach new growth. No shaping or size reduction is needed.

Cut old evergreen fronds at their base in late winter. Wear gloves — frond stipes can be slightly rough. Remove only dead or very battered growth; healthy older fronds can stay through winter.