£14.00
Dryopteris affinis, commonly known as the scaly male fern, is a robust, semi-evergreen fern with upright, arching fronds that emerge bright green and mature to deep green. Its stems are covered in distinctive golden-brown scales, giving it a decorative, textured look. Ideal for shady, moist gardens, it forms an attractive rosette and adds year-round structure with minimal maintenance.
Appearance: A substantial, semi‑evergreen fern forming upright, arching fronds in a shuttlecock‑like arrangement. Individual fronds typically measure 60–160 cm (2–5 ft) long
Foliage: Emerging bright yellow‑green in spring, the fronds gradually deepen to rich medium green. The stipes and rachises are densely covered with persistent golden‑brown or rusty scales (ramenta) .
Identification: Distinct from Dryopteris filix-mas by a tiny blackish spot at the base of each pinna where it joins the rachis, plus its more robust habit and more numerous pinnae/pinnules.
Habit: Matures into a tidy rosette, eventually forming a clump up to 20–30 cm tall and wide at the base with upright fronds forming the bulk—reaching up to ~1.2 m in height and spread.
Hardiness: Suitable for USDA Zones 4–8, and hardy down to around −15 °C to −23 °C depending on microclimate and mulch protection.
Light & Soil: Grows best in moist, humus-rich, well‑drained soils, preferring partial to full shade, but can tolerate light sun if moisture is adequate.
Maintenance:
Remove faded or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring for neatness and new growth.
Divide clumps in spring or autumn to propagate, or sow spores in summer if desired.
Uses: Excellent for woodland gardens, shady borders, underplanting shrubs or roses, and moist slope planting. Tum in large-scale planting or specimen accents.
Wildlife & Disease: Generally pest- and disease-free; foliage provides shelter to beneficial invertebrates. Not particularly known to attract pollinators or larger wildlife.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Scaly Male Fern, Golden‑scaled Male Fern |
| Frond Length | 60–160 cm (2–5 ft) |
| Foliage Colour | Bright yellow‑green to rich green |
| Scales | Golden‑brown dense ramenta along stems |
| Habit | Upright rosette; dense clump ~1 m wide |
| Sun/Shade | Partial to full shade; light sun OK |
| Soil | Moist, humus-rich, acidic to neutral |
| Hardiness | Zones 4–8 (down to ~–23 °C) |
| Maintenance | Low; prune old fronds, occasionally divide |
| Landscape Use | Shade borders, woodland, underplanting |
This fern stands out for its impressive size, elegant rosette of textured foliage, and its adaptability to shady, moist conditions. With its golden‑scaled stems and subtle evergreen presence, it brings lush structure and year-round interest to woodland or shaded garden areas.
| Size | 1 Litre, 2 Litre, 3 Litre, 5 Litre, 10 Litre |
|---|
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