Dre's Dagger Fern
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Dre's Dagger Fern - Premium #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
Click Here to learn more
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Buying Options for Plants
Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. Here is a helpful resource to understand your options as you create a beautiful landscape with help from Nature Hills.
Ever wonder what a larger plant will mean for your landscape? Container Sizes are really all about the age of the plant!
Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.
- Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.
- Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.
Nature Hills Container Size by Volume
Keep in mind, specific varieties and different growing conditions can affect the rate at which plants grow. Variations in size may occur.
| Young Plants to 18 Months | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| 2"x2"x3" | Ranges from | .18 to .21 dry quarts / .198 to .23 dry liters in volume |
| 4.5" Container | Equal to | .65 dry quart / .72 dry liter in volume |
| Sprinter Pot | Equal to | .63 dry quart / .69 dry liter in volume |
| 4" Container | Ranges from | .31 to .87 / .35 to .96 dry liter in volume |
| 6" Container | Equal to | 1.4 dry quarts / 1.59 dry liters in volume |
| 1 Quart | Equal to | 1 dry quart / 1.1 dry liter in volume |
| 5.5" Container | Equal to | 1.89 of a dry quart / 2.08 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x5" | Ranges from | .8 to 1.1 dry quarts / .88 to 1.2 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x6" | Ranges from | 1.0 to 1.3 dry quarts / 1.1 to 1.41 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x9" | Ranges from | 1.1 to 2.1 dry quarts / 1.2 to 2.3 dry liters in volume |
| 4"x4"x10" | Ranges from | 1.7 to 2.3 dry quart / 1.87 to 2.53 dry liters in volume |
| Plants 18 Months - 2.5 Years Old | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| 2 Quart | Equal to | 2 dry quarts / 2.2 dry liters in volume |
| #1 Container | Ranges from | 2.26 to 3.73 dry quarts / 2.49 to 4.11 dry liters in volume |
| 5"x5"x12" | Equal to | 3.5 to 4.3 dry quarts / 3.85 to 4.74 dry liters in volume |
| Plants 2 - 4 Years Old | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| #2 Container | Ranges from | 1.19 to 1.76 dry gallons / 5.24 to 7.75 dry liters in volume |
| #3 Container | Ranges from | 2.32 to 2.76 dry gallons / 10.22 to 12.16 dry liters in volume |
| Plants 3 - 5 Years Old | ||
|---|---|---|
| Size | Volume | |
| #5 Container | Ranges from | 2.92 to 4.62 dry gallons / 12.86 to 20.35 dry liters in volume |
| #6 Container | Ranges from | 5.25 to 6.01 dry gallons / 23.12 to 26.42 dry liters in volume |
| #7 Container | Ranges from | 5.98 to 6.08 dry gallons / 26.34 to 26.78 dry liters in volume |
Dre's Dagger Fern
Plant Highlights
Dre's Dagger Fern highlights at a glance!
Plant Highlights
Plant Highlights
-
Brand
-
Botanical Name
-
Growing Zones
-
Mature Height
-
Mature Spread
-
Sun ExposureFull Shade, Partial Shade
-
Moisture
-
Soil
-
Growth RateMedium
-
Pruning Time
Growing Zones
Dre's Dagger Fern – Unique Textured Beauty For Shade!
Add a touch of drama and texture to your shade garden with Dre's Dagger Fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'), an elegant, semi-evergreen fern with crisp, dark green fronds and a distinctive, zigzag growth pattern. The effect of the closely held foliage is architectural and almost skeletal.
Known for its arching, sword-like foliage, this hybrid Fern stands out with its deeply divided pinnae that creates a striking appearance. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it a perfect addition to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and container plantings.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Foliage: Dark green, sword-like fronds with a zigzag pattern
- Mature Height: 12-18 inches
- Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–8
- Semi-evergreen: Retains some foliage through mild winters
- Low Maintenance: Minimal care is required once established
Landscaping With Dre's Dagger Fern
Dre's Dagger Fern is perfect for adding structure and texture to shade gardens. Its upright, arching fronds bring a sculptural quality that pairs beautifully with broad-leaved plants like Hostas, Bergenia, or large-flowered Hellebores.
Use it to create contrasting textures in shady borders, or plant it in clusters for a lush, layered effect in woodland settings. In containers, it serves as a bold focal point that thrives in low-light conditions.
- Woodland and shade gardens
- Shady borders and foundation plantings
- Accent plant in shaded container gardens
- Moist, well-drained areas near trees or ponds
- Specimens and unique thrillers!
Fern Care & Maintenance
Dre's Dagger Fern is easy to care for, thriving with just a few simple guidelines. Ferns are unique plants with a curious lifecycle and are a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial plant.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; avoid overly dry or soggy conditions
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells
- Light: Grows best in partial to full shade
- Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
- Pruning: Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to make room for new growth
- Spacing: Allow about 2 feet of space between plants for full development
Oh-So Unique Dre's Dagger Fern!
The curious Dre's Dagger Fern is a standout choice for shade gardens, bringing bold texture and unique form to the landscape. Its zigzag fronds and low-maintenance nature make it a gardener's favorite for adding a touch of the unexpected to shaded areas. This Fern will reward you with beauty and year-round interest. Order today at Nature Hills Nursery!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dre's Dagger Fern unique?
Its zigzag-patterned fronds and sword-like shape give it a distinct architectural look that sets it apart from other ferns.
Is Dre's Dagger Fern evergreen?
It is semi-evergreen, retaining some foliage through winter in mild climates.
How tall does it grow?
Dre's Dagger Fern typically grows 12-18 inches tall, with an equal spread.
What type of soil does it need?
It prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, similar to its natural woodland habitat.
Can it grow in containers?
Yes, Dre's Dagger Fern is well-suited for containers, especially in shaded patios or courtyards.
Is it deer-resistant?
Yes, Sensitive Fern is deer-resistant, though heavy browsing may occasionally occur.
Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?
Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!
