Doodia aspera

The Prickly Rasp Fern

Commonly called the Prickly Rasp Fern, Doodia aspera is a woodland plant, it grows along the the east coast of Australia in forested areas. Also known as Doodia aspera ‘Rough Ruby’, and Hacksaw fern ‘Rough Ruby’ this is a brilliant low growing ground cover plant for shade.

This naturally a low growing fern, it spreads slowly by underground rhizomes and forms dense tuft of clumps over time.

Widely used in gardens, the new foliage emerges with pink to bright deep red which turns to a mid to deep green as it ages.

The foliage if held upright and this growth habit really shows off that brilliant new foliage.

The individual fronds can reach around 35cm in height and this is a fern that can be used as a ground cover in shaded areas or grown in pots.

Regarded as drought tolerant it is low care however it does require a frost free position to perform well. As it is grown as an understory plant in most areas frost is not a real problem.

Landscaping uses

Useful in landscaping for it ability to grow in a range of light conditions as well as its easy care ground covering nature.

This naturally a low growing fern, it spreads slowly by underground rhizomes and forms dense tuft of clumps over time.

Widely used in gardens as a ground cover plant, the new foliage emerges with pink to bright deep red which turns to a mid to deep green as it ages. The foliage if held upright and this growth habit really shows off that brilliant new foliage.

The individual fronds can reach around 35cm in height and this is a fern that can be used as a ground cover in shaded areas or grown in pots.

Suited to growing under Tree Ferns including dwarf tree ferns

How to Grow Doodia aspera – Basic Care

Regarded as drought tolerant it is low care however it does require a frost free position to perform well. As it is grown as an understory plant, in most areas frost is not a real problem.

This is a fern that can be growing a containers or hanging baskets.

Growing well part shade, Doodia aspera perhaps performs best in a humus rich soil in part shade, or with at least protection from the afternoon sun. 

When planting

• Prepare the soil by digging over well and adding some well rotted compost.
• Water in new plants with a diluted liquid seaweed fertiliser.
• Water during extended dry periods through the first summer.
• Mulch around plants each spring to maintain a cool root run.
• Old dead fronds can be pruned away as required.

You can also grow Doodia aspera in containers in a shaded position on a patio or in a courtyard. In these conditions you will need to take some extra care with watering and be prepared to repot every 3 – 4 years as the plant outgrows its container.

Pruning

Although this is an evergreen plant, many gardeners prune the old growth away at the end of winter to allow the new growth to show itself off. Just make sure you prune back before the new growth shoots.

Propagation

Over time it will spread by underground rhizomes it can be propagated by division and also from spores.

Other Information

This was the first Australian fern to be collected and taken to Kew Gardens.

Doodia aspera grows particularly well in leaf litter beneath large trees, however it really is a hardy adaptable fern.

Other Fern Species

• Doodia media – Common Rasp Fern

Where To Buy

Summary Information

• Botanical Name :Doodia aspera
• Common Name : Doodia aspera ‘Rough Ruby’, Prickly Rasp Fern, Hacksaw fern ‘Rough Ruby’
• Family : Blechnaceae
• Position : Dappled shade to deeper shade.
• Soil : Humus rich moist.
• Height : To around 35 cm
• Spread : Natural spread by rhizomes.
• Foliage : New foliage pink to red. Older Foliage, deep green.
• Flowers : N/A
• Frost tolerant : No
• Drought tolerant : Medium to good.