Woodwardia unigemmata

Woodwardia unigemmata earns its common name, Jeweled Chain Fern, the moment new fronds emerge in spring—bronze-red tips unfurling against the deep green of established growth. The color holds through the early part of the season before the new foliage matures to a glossy, dark green. The fronds are bold and leathery, arching outward from the crown, and the overall effect is more lush than delicate. This is not a fine-textured fern; it has presence.

It grows beautifully in a container—mine is, and I've seen others do the same. In the ground, it needs consistent moisture and can take a season or two to settle in. Once established, it spreads slowly by rhizome—not aggressively, but enough that a single plant fills its space over time.

It's semi-evergreen in Zones 8b/9a, meaning most of the foliage persists through a typical winter. Once new fronds begin to unfurl, cut last year's fronds back to the base. It keeps the plant looking fresh and makes it possible to fully appreciate the new growth as it emerges—which is very showy.

Height runs 2–3 feet in typical garden conditions; spread matches. Part shade works, but in the Pacific Northwest, full shade suits it well—especially on the north or east side of a structure or under a dense canopy where drying summer heat doesn't reach.