Ferns

6 Scaly Male Fern – Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' – Hardy Evergreen Perennial

Bring a touch of woodland elegance to your garden with this collection of six Scaly Male Fern plants in the sought-after 'Cristata' form. Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' is a beautiful, clump-forming evergreen fern prized for its distinctive crested frond tips, which add texture and interest throughout the year. The rich green, shuttlecock-shaped fronds unfurl in spring with attractive golden-brown scales along the midribs, creating a striking display from the moment new growth appears.

This robust and reliable fern thrives in shaded and partially shaded positions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shady borders, north-facing beds, and beneath established trees and shrubs. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and will reward you with handsome, architectural foliage year after year.

What's Included:

• 6 x Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' (Scaly Male Fern) plants


• Each supplied in a 1 litre root-ball, well-rooted and ready for planting

Planting Tips:

Plant in a sheltered, shaded or partially shaded spot in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 60–80 cm apart to allow each fern room to develop its natural shuttlecock shape. Mulch around the base in spring with leaf mould or well-rotted compost to help retain moisture and enrich the soil. Remove any old or damaged fronds in late winter before new croziers begin to unfurl in spring.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'


• Common Names: Crested Scaly Male Fern, Golden-scaled Male Fern


• Classification: Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 60–90 cm × 60–90 cm


• Growth Habit: Clump-Forming, Upright Shuttlecock-Shaped Fern


• Perfect For: Woodland Gardens, Shaded Borders, North-Facing Beds, Containers, Under Trees & Shrubs


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Humus-Rich


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (tolerates UK winters)


• Type: Hardy Evergreen Perennial


• Foliage: Rich Green Fronds with Crested Tips and Golden-Brown Scales on Midribs


• Season of Interest: Year-Round Evergreen Foliage; New Croziers in Spring

Notes: The 'Cristata' form is distinguished by its elegantly crested and ruffled frond tips, giving a fuller, more ornamental appearance compared to the standard species. These ferns are well-suited to creating a lush, low-maintenance planting scheme in areas of the garden where many other plants may struggle.

Bring elegant, architectural foliage to the shaded corners of your garden with this collection of three Dryopteris atrata plants. Commonly known as the Shaggy Wood Fern, this striking hardy fern is prized for its graceful, lance-shaped fronds adorned with distinctive dark, almost black scales along the stems, creating a dramatic contrast against the rich green foliage. A fantastic choice for woodland gardens, shady borders and damp, sheltered spots where many other plants struggle to thrive.

Each plant is supplied as a healthy, established specimen in a 1 litre root-ball, ready to plant straight into your garden or containers. As a hardy perennial, Dryopteris atrata will return year after year, gradually forming handsome, shuttlecock-shaped clumps that add structure and texture to any planting scheme.

What's Included:

• 3 or 6 x Dryopteris atrata (Shaggy Wood Fern) plants


• Each supplied in a 1 litre root-ball


• Established and garden ready

Key Features:

• Hardy perennial fern – comes back year after year


• Thrives in shaded and partially shaded positions


• Eye-catching dark scales contrast beautifully with green fronds


• Low maintenance once established


• Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, underplanting and containers


• Excellent for adding texture and structure to damp, sheltered areas

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris atrata


• Common Names: Shaggy Wood Fern, Shaggy Shield Fern


• Classification: Hardy Evergreen to Semi-Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60–90 cm × 60–75 cm


• Growth Habit: Upright, Shuttlecock-Forming Clump


• Perfect for: Woodland Gardens, Shady Borders, Damp Sheltered Areas, Underplanting, Containers


• Foliage: Lance-Shaped, Rich Green Fronds with Distinctive Dark Brown to Black Scales on Stipes


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil Requirements: Moist, Well-Drained, Humus-Rich Soil


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (tolerates temperatures down to approximately -15°C)


• Origin: Native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea)


• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells


• Maintenance: Low – remove any damaged or old fronds in early spring to encourage fresh new growth

Planting Tips:

Plant in a sheltered, shaded position in moist, humus-rich soil. Incorporate well-rotted compost or leaf mould at planting time to help retain moisture. Space each plant approximately 60–75 cm apart to allow room for the clumps to develop fully. Water regularly after planting until well established, and apply a mulch around the base in spring to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.