Dryopteris filix-mas
male fern
- Position: partial shade
- Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A native, male fern found naturally in moist woodlands around the UK. This large, deciduous fern has feathery, green fronds which form a distinctive, shuttlecock shape and turn coppery in autumn. It makes a fine companion for shade-loving woodland plants, especially other ferns, and when its leaves die back, the space can be filled with early flowering spring bulbs such as snowdrops. - Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back dead fronds in winter.
- Eventual Height: 0.6m
- Eventual Spread: 0.5m