
A cultivar of the native male fern, Dryopteris affinis, which is found in woodlands in wetter parts of Britain, this is a handsome, semi-evergreen fern that keeps its leaves almost all year round. The young fronds unfurl a golden green and the plant retains a fresh, bright appearance throughout the summer. Try it in a moist shady border with other woodland plants.
How to care for Dryopteris affinis Cristata:
Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back decayed fronds in winter to allow new growth to emerge.
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.9m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy