When you want a fern with serious presence, Woodwardia fimbriata delivers. Known as the Giant Chain Fern, it produces enormous arching fronds that can easily reach two metres in length, creating a lush, almost primeval backdrop in any shaded space. The bold, leathery texture and repeating chain-like pattern of the leaflets make it a true statement plant, the kind of fern you imagine dinosaurs once brushed past. Despite its dramatic size, this Californian native is remarkably well-mannered in UK gardens. It thrives in partial to full shade with consistently moist, humus-rich soil, and appreciates a sheltered, humid spot. Apparently hardy to around –5 °C, it’s best given a thick winter mulch in colder regions to protect the crown. In milder parts of the country, it can remain evergreen, adding structure and atmosphere year-round. Majestic, architectural, and just a little prehistoric, the fern that turns shady corners into a lost world. 2 litre pot