Doodia aspera – The Rasp Fern
If you are looking for a hardy native Australian Fern then the ‘Prickly Rasp Fern’ or Doodia aspera could be an excellent choice.
This is a clump forming fern that prefers a slightly acidic soil. Attractive green foliage that emerges a nice pink color before turning green, this is a fern that will reach around 40cm.
The common name of ‘Rasp Fern’ comes from the rough texture or prickly nature of the foliage.
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.
Doodia aspera Care
Grows well full sun to part shade, Doodia aspera perhaps performs best in a humus rich soil in part shade, or with 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.
Over time it will spread by underground rhizomes.
This is a fern that can be growing a containers.
Doodia aspera grows particularly well in leaf litter beneath large trees, however it really is a hardy adaptable fern.
Other Fern Species